Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is a common medical condition that usually does not cause noticeable symptoms and is therefore often referred to as a “silent disease.” Many people believe it only affects older adults, but in reality it can develop at younger ages as well. In some cases there is a genetic predisposition, but lifestyle also plays a major role. Reducing salt intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent and control high blood pressure (He et al., 2013).
Approximately 25% of the adult population suffers from hypertension. Although awareness of the condition has increased over the years, many people still do not fully understand the potential complications associated with it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause gradual damage to blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. For this reason, regular monitoring and appropriate treatment are essential (ESC/ESH Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension).
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. These values naturally fluctuate throughout the day depending on physical activity, emotional state, and other physiological factors. Blood pressure tends to decrease during sleep or periods of rest, while it may increase during exercise, excitement, or stress.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers. The higher value is called systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the circulation. The lower value is called diastolic blood pressure and represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. In the general population, hypertension is usually defined as blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher, although the diagnostic threshold may be lower for certain groups such as people with diabetes or kidney disease (ESC/ESH Guidelines).
Hypertension often develops without noticeable symptoms, but it significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. The risk is higher among individuals with a family history of hypertension, excess body weight, or a lifestyle lacking adequate physical activity and healthy nutrition.
Research Findings
Many studies have demonstrated a connection between hypertension and long-term cognitive decline. A study conducted at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and published in the journal JAMA found that individuals aged 48–67 with hypertension experienced a greater decline in cognitive function over a 20-year period compared with individuals whose blood pressure was within the normal range (Gottesman et al., JAMA). The researchers also found that proper treatment of hypertension may reduce the rate of cognitive decline.
Another study showed that blood pressure patterns in young adulthood can predict the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Even relatively small increases in blood pressure over time may raise the long-term risk of cardiovascular complications (Yano et al., JAMA Cardiology, 2020).
In addition, research has demonstrated a link between obesity—particularly upper-body obesity—and an increased risk of developing hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Some studies have also found associations between body composition characteristics and the likelihood of developing high blood pressure (Eur J Clin Invest).
Nutrition and Blood Pressure
Diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. One of the most influential dietary factors is salt intake. Studies have shown that reducing salt consumption can significantly lower blood pressure in both healthy individuals and people with hypertension (He, Li & MacGregor, BMJ, 2013).
Consuming foods rich in potassium, such as fruits and vegetables, may also help stabilize blood pressure levels. Additional research suggests that dairy consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (Bhavadharini et al., BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, 2020).
The Risks of High Blood Pressure
Over time, high blood pressure can damage the walls of blood vessels. Persistent pressure on the arteries may cause them to stiffen and narrow, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This process increases the risk of blood clot formation, which can block blood flow to the brain and cause an ischemic stroke.
At the same time, elevated pressure within cerebral blood vessels may lead to rupture of an artery and result in a hemorrhagic stroke.
Research shows that every 10 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure raises the risk of stroke by approximately 20%. Conversely, reducing diastolic blood pressure by about 6 mmHg can decrease the risk of stroke by up to 40%. These findings clearly highlight the importance of maintaining well-controlled blood pressure in order to protect overall health and prevent cardiovascular disease.