Hypertension on the Couch

<p>Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often called the “silent killer” because it can go unnoticed until it causes severe health problems. In fact, hypertension affects over 1 billion people worldwide and is responsible for an estimated 7.5 million deaths annually. Understanding the risks of hypertension and how to prevent it is crucial for maintaining good health and longevity.</p> <p><b>What is Hypertension?</b></p> <p>Hypertension is a condition that occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers - the systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and the diastolic pressure (when the heart is at rest). A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. However, a reading consistently above 140/90 mmHg can be considered hypertensive and requires medical attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/spark/in-this-together/blood-pressure-questions-answered/" target="_blank"><b>Hypertension</b></a><b> is classified according to severity:</b></p> <ul><li>Stage 1 hypertension — clinic blood pressure ranging from 140/90 mmHg to 159/99 mmHg <i>and</i> subsequent ABPM daytime average or HBPM average blood pressure ranging from 135/85 mmHg to 149/94 mmHg.</li><li>Stage 2 hypertension — clinic blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg or higher but less than 180/120 mmHg <i>and</i> subsequent ABPM daytime average or HBPM average blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg or higher.</li><li>Stage 3 or severe hypertension — clinic systolic blood pressure of 180 mmHg or higher <i>or</i> clinic diastolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or higher.</li><li>Accelerated (or malignant) hypertension is a severe increase in blood pressure to 180/120 mmHg or higher (and often over 220/120 mmHg) with signs of retinal haemorrhage and/or papilloedema (swelling of the optic nerve). </li><li> Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) </li><li>Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM)</li></ul> <p><b>Essential hyperten