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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting residents around the world. Known as the "silent killer," it often develops without noticeable symptoms and, if left unmanaged, can lead to severe health issues like heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and even vision loss.
A modern lifestyle, busy work schedules, and convenience-based habits dominate. Understanding the causes of high blood pressure is essential. Whether you are an expat navigating a demanding corporate environment or a local resident striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle, this guide will help you identify the triggers of hypertension and show you how to take control of your health.
What is High Blood Pressure (hypertension)?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded with two numbers:
Systolic pressure (upper number): Pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure (lower number): Pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
A normal reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 130/80 mm Hg.
Why is hypertension (high blood pressure) a concern?
Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms until it causes significant damage. Regular monitoring and early intervention are essential to avoid the long-term consequences of untreated high blood pressure.
What Are the Main Causes of High Blood Pressure?
Let’s explore the most common contributors to high blood pressure, especially those relevant to the lifestyle and environment.
Diet: A diet rich in salt, unhealthy fats, and processed foods is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Fast foods, packaged snacks, and ready-made meals often contain excessive sodium, which causes the body to retain fluid leading to increased pressure on artery walls. A lack of fresh fruits and vegetables only worsens the condition.
Lack of Physical Activity: Inactivity slows metabolism, encourages weight gain, and reduces the heart's efficiency. When you don’t exercise regularly, the heart and blood vessels become less effective at managing pressure levels. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week can significantly help manage hypertension.
Obesity and Weight Gain: Being overweight puts extra strain on the heart, making it work harder to pump blood. This increased workload raises blood pressure. A Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, while over 30 is classified as obese. both increasing the risk of developing hypertension. Don’t know your BMI? Use FUH free BMI Calculator to find out.
Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress causes the body to release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which elevate heart rate and narrow blood vessels raising blood pressure temporarily. Long-term stress can also lead to poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, overeating, or drinking alcohol, which compound the risk.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: Whether through traditional cigarettes, shisha, or e-cigarettes, nicotine causes immediate spikes in blood pressure by tightening arteries and increasing heart rate. Long-term use damages blood vessel walls and significantly raises the risk of heart disease. Smoking remains common among younger adults and professionals in Dubai, making it a local health concern.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Although alcohol is regulated in the UAE, social drinking among expats is common. Frequent or heavy alcohol intake not only raises blood pressure but also interferes with hypertension medications. Limiting alcohol consumption can help manage blood pressure and reduce associated health risks.
Genetic and Family History: Hypertension often runs in families. If your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it. While you can’t control your genetics, early screening and healthy lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the impact of this risk factor.
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What are the symptoms of high blood pressure, or hypertension?
One of the most challenging aspects of hypertension is that it often presents no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
Headaches: Often described as throbbing or pulsating, especially at the back of the head. More common in hypertensive crisis.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
Blurred or Double Vision: High blood pressure can affect blood vessels in the eyes.
Shortness of Breath: Especially during physical activity or exertion. May indicate strain on the heart or fluid buildup.
Nosebleeds: Rare, but can occur during a hypertensive emergency.
Chest Pain or Tightness: Can be a sign of angina or a heart attack related to prolonged hypertension.
Fatigue or Confusion: Especially if blood pressure is affecting brain function or oxygen delivery.
Irregular Heartbeat: Palpitations or fluttering in the chest.
These symptoms usually appear once blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels.
Watch as Dr. Khaldoun Taha is one of the most experienced Best cardiologist for high blood pressure Dubai, explains more about hypertension.
What are the risks associated with hypertension (high blood pressure)?
If left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, including:
Heart Disease: Hypertension can cause the arteries to harden and thicken, leading to heart disease and increasing the risk of heart attack.
Stroke: High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst or become blocked, leading to a stroke.
Kidney Damage: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
Vision Loss: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems or blindness.
How to Prevent High Blood Pressure?
Managing high blood pressure involves a combination of lifestyle changes and professional medical advice.
Heart-Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help lower blood pressure. Reducing salt intake and avoiding processed foods are also crucial steps.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can help lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart.
Weight Management: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of other related health issues.
Stress Reduction: Techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure.
Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can have immediate and long-term benefits for your heart health.
Get Regular Screenings: Check your blood pressure at least once a year or more frequently if you’re at higher risk. You can start by using our Blood Pressure Calculator to estimate your risk at home. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly can help you understand the state of your heart and take timely actions to manage any potential health issues.
When to Seek Emergency Care?
Call emergency services or visit the ER if you experience:
Sudden and severe headache
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Vision changes
Numbness or weakness in the limbs
Difficulty speaking or confusion
These could be signs of a hypertensive crisis, stroke, or heart attack.
Why Early Detection Matters?
High blood pressure can silently damage your heart, kidneys, and brain. Early detection and management significantly reduce your chances of long-term complications.
At Fakeeh University Hospital, our advanced diagnostic facilities and dedicated team of internal medicine and cardiology specialists ensure early identification, treatment, and ongoing monitoring of hypertension.
Book a Consultation at Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai
Do not let high blood pressure go unchecked. Whether you have a family history or are experiencing symptoms like headaches or fatigue, we are here to help.
Book your consultation today with our cardiovascular specialists.
Your heart health matters. Take the first step today.
FAQs
What is considered high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when your blood pressure consistently reads 130/80 mm Hg or higher. It is classified into stages based on severity.
What are the common symptoms of high blood pressure?
Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms. However, severe cases may cause headaches, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
When should I see a doctor about high blood pressure?
You should consult a doctor if you have a blood pressure reading consistently above 130/80 mm Hg, or if you experience symptoms like severe headaches, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
Can lifestyle changes help manage high blood pressure?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing salt intake, managing stress, and quitting smoking can significantly lower blood pressure.
What complications can arise from untreated high blood pressure?
Untreated hypertension can lead to severe health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, and more.
Does stress raise blood pressure?
Yes, ongoing stress can cause temporary spikes and long-term high blood pressure, especially when combined with poor lifestyle choices.
Can eating salty food cause high blood pressure?
Yes, consuming too much salt increases fluid retention, raising blood pressure levels.
Is high blood pressure hereditary?
Yes, genetics can increase your risk. If a parent or sibling has it, you should monitor your blood pressure regularly.
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