High blood pressure is a very common condition that millions of people around the globe experience. The World Health Organization states the 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Another interesting fact is that 46% of them are unaware they have high blood pressure. Hypertension not only causes strain on your heart, but it is also the reason why you may experience strokes or heart attacks. Arteries are vital blood vessels that transport blood from your heart throughout your body. While a certain level of pressure is essential for blood circulation, excessive pressure can be detrimental over time. The NHS typically diagnoses hypertension when blood pressure readings consistently exceed 140/90 mmHg. However, who is more at risk for developing high blood pressure? Who Is at Higher Risk of High Blood Pressure? Several factors can increase your susceptibility to developing high blood pressure. These can be broadly categorized into underlying medical conditions and lifestyle factors. Kidney diseaseDiabetesHormonal conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (where the body produces too many steroid hormones)Obstructive sleep apneaAre taking certain herbal remediesAre taking some medications, such as oral contraceptives?If you're concerned your medication is affecting your blood pressure, it's advisable to speak with a healthcare professional. Lifestyle and Other Factors Your daily choices and personal characteristics also play a big role. Eating a lot of fatty or salty foods, not getting enough exercise, and being overweight all increase risk. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and high stress levels are also significant contributors. As you get older, your risk naturally increases, and having a family history of high blood pressure or being of Afro-Caribbean or South Asian origin also raises your chances. What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure? It's crucial to understand that high blood pressure is often called "the silent killer" because it usually has no noticeable symptoms. This means you can have it for years without knowing, leading to serious health problems. However, in rare situations, some subtle signs might appear. These can include unexplained headaches, changes in vision like blurriness or double vision, frequent nosebleeds, or feeling short of breath. What Happens if High Blood Pressure Is Left Untreated? Ignoring high blood pressure can lead to very serious health issues. Beyond the well-known risks of strokes and heart attacks, untreated hypertension can damage your body in other ways. It can cause conditions like arterial thrombosis, which are dangerous blood clots in your arteries, or an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a bulging in your main artery. It can also lead to kidney disease and even vascular dementia, affecting your brain function. Taking steps to manage and prevent high blood pressure is essential for your long-term health. The good news is that many lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Regular exercise is key, along with cutting down on alcohol and switching to a healthy, low-fat diet. It’s also important to reduce your salt intake and lose weight if you're overweight. Cutting back on caffeine and trying relaxation therapies like yoga can also help. And of course, never use recreational drugs.