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June 23, 2025
Within the relentless pace of our daily lives, a hidden adversary can operate within our bodies, often remaining undetected until considerable damage has been inflicted. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is commonly known as “the silent killer” because it typically lacks obvious symptoms, yet persistently erodes our cardiovascular health. This seemingly benign condition exerts significant pressure on our arteries and heart, increasing the likelihood of various serious and potentially fatal complications.
According to the latest National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, high blood pressure affects 29.2% of Malaysian adults (over 6.7 million individuals), remaining a critical health challenge. Alarmingly, nearly 12% of all adults are unaware of their hypertension. Despite a high rate of medication use (91%) among diagnosed individuals, only 48% achieve adequate blood pressure control (below 140/90 mmHg). These figures highlight the issues in hypertension awareness, treatment compliance, and effective management within the Malaysian adult population, necessitating sustained public health interventions.
Understanding the concealed danger of high blood pressure, its profound impact on our heart, and the vital measures we can adopt for management and prevention is not just important – it’s indispensable for preserving our long-term well-being.
And that’s what we are going to discuss today!
High blood pressure, medically termed hypertension, is characterised by persistently elevated pressure within your blood vessels (140/90 mmHg or greater). This common condition can become severe if left untreated. A key characteristic of hypertension is the frequent absence of perceptible symptoms, so blood pressure monitoring is the sole means of detection.
Several factors increase susceptibility to high blood pressure such as advancing years, genetic predisposition, being overweight or obese, a lack of physical exercise, a diet rich in salt, and excessive alcohol intake. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier eating plan, abstaining from tobacco, and increasing physical activity levels, can contribute to lowering blood pressure. Some individuals may still require pharmaceutical treatment.
Blood pressure readings consist of two figures: the systolic number, indicating pressure during heart contraction, and the diastolic number, representing pressure during heart relaxation. A diagnosis of hypertension is established if, during measurements taken on two separate days, both systolic readings are ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic readings are ≥90 mmHg.
So, what increases the risk of hypertension and what are its common symptoms?
Well, some of the most common risk elements are unhealthy eating habits (excessive sodium intake, a diet abundant in saturated and trans fats, insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables), a sedentary lifestyle, the use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages, and carrying excess weight or being corpulent. Furthermore, environmental elements contribute to the risk of hypertension and related ailments, with air contamination being the most prominent. Other risk elements include a hereditary background of hypertension, age beyond 65 years, and pre-existing conditions like diabetes mellitus or renal disease.
Often, individuals with hypertension are unaware of any bodily signals. However, extremely raised blood pressure can induce headaches, indistinct sight, chest pain, and other signs. The optimal approach to ascertain your high blood pressure is to check it. If hypertension remains unmanaged, it can give rise to other medical problems like kidney ailment, heart ailment, and stroke. Individuals with very high blood pressure (generally 180/120 or above) might encounter symptoms such as severe cephalalgia, pain in the chest, giddiness, trouble breathing, queasiness, throwing up, blurred vision or other changes in eyesight, worry, mental confusion, ringing in the ears, nasal haemorrhage, abnormal cardiac rhythm. If you are experiencing any of these signs coupled with high blood pressure, obtain immediate medical care.
The only way to discover hypertension is through a blood pressure measurement device called the sphygmomanometer (Manual or Digital). Measuring blood pressure is swift and without discomfort. Although you can measure your blood pressure using this device, a healthcare professional’s appraisal is vital for evaluating risk and associated ailments.
How does hypertension affect the functioning of the heart?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly impacts heart health, often working silently to cause damage over time. The heart, a muscular pump, works harder to circulate blood against increased arterial pressure. This added workload can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, where the heart muscle thickens, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of heart failure.
Elevated pressure also damages the arteries, the vessels carrying blood to the heart. This damage can cause them to become less elastic and prone to plaque build-up (atherosclerosis). Consequently, coronary artery disease may develop, potentially leading to angina (chest pain), heart attacks, and arrhythmias. Hypertension also increases the risk of aneurysms, which are bulges in weakened artery walls that can rupture, causing life-threatening complications.
Furthermore, the strain of hypertension can weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, resulting in heart failure. This condition means the heart cannot meet the body’s oxygen and nutrient demands. Ultimately, uncontrolled hypertension is a major risk factor for several life-threatening heart conditions, emphasising the importance of early detection, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medical management to protect heart health.
This leads us to our next question. What steps can we take to protect our hearts from the effects of hypertension?
To protect the heart from the harmful effects of hypertension, several proactive measures can be taken. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is paramount, which includes consuming a diet low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity is also essential. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption further reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system. For individuals diagnosed with hypertension, adhering to prescribed medications and attending regular check-ups with a healthcare provider is crucial. Managing stress levels and minimising exposure to environmental pollution can also contribute to overall heart health and mitigate the risks associated with high blood pressure.
The subtle danger of hypertension emphasises the paramount significance of early recognition, consistent surveillance, and careful regulation. Though frequently without apparent signs, its continuous burden on our heart and blood vessels represents a substantial menace to cardiac health, amplifying the likelihood of severe and life-changing ailments. By embracing adaptable lifestyle modifications and heeding medical counsel when needed, we can collaboratively fight this unspoken foe. Informing ourselves and taking unwavering steps are not just advisable, but indispensable actions for preserving our hearts and guaranteeing a healthier, more flourishing future for ourselves and our family.
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