Hypertension: the silent killer
14 May 2025 | Comment(s) |
Livia Zimmermann
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, often goes unnoticed because it initially shows no symptoms. It affects around 1.3 billion people worldwide and can have serious health consequences if not diagnosed and treated in time. In this blog, you will learn about what causes hypertension, how to recognise the symptoms and how to treat it.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a chronic disease characterised by a permanent increase in blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two values: systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (when the heart is at rest between beats). Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mmHg.
Hypertension can be diagnosed by regular blood pressure measurements. If several measurements reveal high blood pressure, the doctor may order further tests to determine the cause and check for possible damage to organs.
Treatment of hypertension generally involves a combination of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management, etc.) and medication (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, etc.).
What causes hypertension?
The causes of hypertension can generally be divided into two main categories:
Primary hypertension: this form of hypertension has no specific cause and generally develops over the years. It is the most common form and is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Secondary hypertension: this form of hypertension is caused by an underlying disease, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders or the use of certain medications.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing hypertension:
- Age: the risk of hypertension increases with age.
- Genetics: a family history can increase the risk.
- Overweight and obesity: being overweight puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels.
- Lack of physical activity: a sedentary lifestyle can lead to high blood pressure.
- An unhealthy diet: a diet high in salt, saturated fats and low in fruit and vegetables can increase the risk.
- Alcohol consumption and smoking: excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are known risk factors.
Symptoms of hypertension
Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer", because in most cases it causes no obvious symptoms. However, some people experience the following:
- Headaches: especially at the back of the head in the morning
- Dizziness and nausea: these symptoms may appear suddenly
- Shortness of breath: especially with physical exertion
- Palpitations or heartbeats: an irregular heartbeat can be a sign of a heart attack.
- Nosebleeds: frequent nosebleeds can be a symptom of a nosebleed.
- Vision problems: blurred vision or other vision problems
- Inner turmoil and nervousness: a general feeling of anxiety
- Sleep disorders: blood pressure should fall during sleep, but this is often not the case with hypertension
- Tiredness: persistent exhaustion can be a sign of fatigue.
- Ringing in the ears: a constant whistling or ringing in the ears
- Red complexion: sometimes accompanied by visible red veins
It is important to take these symptoms seriously and to check blood pressure regularly in order to detect and treat hypertension at an early stage. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Consequences of high blood pressure
Untreated hypertension can have serious consequences, as it can damage various organs and vessels. Here are some of the possible consequences:
- Cardiovascular disease: increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Kidney damage: can lead to kidney failure
- Arteriosclerosis: hardening and narrowing of the arteries, which impedes blood flow
- Aneurysms: bulges in the arteries can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding
- Eye damage: may cause blurred vision or even blindness
- Blood circulation problems: particularly in the legs, which can lead to pain and restricted movement
It is therefore important to identify the symptoms at an early stage, agree on the appropriate treatment with a doctor and have regular check-ups.
You can also take preventive action against high blood pressure. Adopt an active lifestyle, with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, without being excessively overweight, and avoid nicotine and drink alcohol in moderation.
World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day takes place every year on 17 May. This day of action was created to raise awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure and to educate the general public about the prevention, early detection and treatment of hypertension.
