What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?

The threshold for the definition of high blood pressure is different for values recorded at home or in the doctor's office. At home, your blood pressure is considered normal when the average of your measurements is less than 130/85 mmHg. Your blood pressure measured by your doctor or pharmacist is considered normal when it is below 140/90 mmHg. When it exceeds these values it is called hypertension.

Hypertension is the most common chronic disease in the world. It is one of the major cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, it causes anomalies and stiffening of the arterial walls due to the permanent mechanical pressure exerted on them. Chronic hypertension increases the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, kidney failure, and cognitive disorders. 

Your doctor's or pharmacist's opinion is primordial to tell you if your blood pressure is satisfactory or not.

Source: 2018 Guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology. 

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is often "silent" with no symptoms therefore many people have hypertension without knowing it. Its measurement and monitoring may, therefore, provide a real benefit as they make it possible to detect high blood pressure earlier, before the onset of complications.

However, some signs may be present and alert to the risk of high blood pressure. These include a constant headache or a severe headache in the morning, dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, sweating and even nosebleed.

Self-measurement of blood pressure at home can be a useful tool for the screening and monitoring of high blood pressure. Remember, at home, your blood pressure is considered normal when the average of your measurements is less than 130/85 mmHg. 

Source: 2018 Guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology.

What causes high blood pressure?

Hypertension is usually "essential" i.e. it has no known cause. However, certain risk factors are linked to its onset such as age which is associated with a decrease in the elasticity of the arteries. Other risk factors include excess body weight, sedentary lifestyle or diet.

In 10% of cases, high blood pressure is called "secondary" as it is caused by another disease such as a kidney, adrenal gland, neurovascular or hormonal disorder. Finally, in rare cases, high blood pressure can have a genetic cause.

Source: Website of the French Medical Research Institute (Inserm).

How to lower my blood pressure or prevent the onset of high blood pressure?

Besides drug therapy, certain lifestyle changes can help you reduce your blood pressure. Examples of lifestyle changes to help you control blood pressure: 

• reduce your intake of salt, alcohol, and foods high in fat,
• lose weight if you are overweight,
• stop smoking,
• increase your fruit and vegetable consumption,
• take regular exercise.

Source: 2018 Guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology.