HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION), THE SILENT KILLER
By Pharmacist Saini Kennedy L.

High blood pressure also called hypertension is often described as the “silent killer” because many people feel completely well while damage is quietly happening inside the body. Without detection and treatment, hypertension greatly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and vision problems.

What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is written as two numbers, for example 120/80 mmHg: Top number (systolic): pressure when the heart pumps, Bottom number (diastolic): pressure when the heart relaxes. Hypertension is commonly diagnosed when blood pressure is persistently above 140/90mmHg on repeated measurements.

Why it is called the “silent killer”
Most people with hypertension have no obvious symptoms. You may only discover it during a routine check. Relying on symptoms is risky, serious complications can occur before you ever feel unwell.

Who is at risk?
Hypertension can affect anyone, but risk increases with:
Increasing age
Family history of hypertension
Overweight/obesity and physical inactivity
High salt (sodium) diet, low fruit/vegetable intake
Alcohol use and tobacco smoking
Stress and poor sleep (including sleep apnea)
Other conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease

What can happen if hypertension is not controlled?
Long-term high blood pressure can damage organs and blood vessels, leading to:
Stroke and other brain complications
Heart attack and heart failure
Kidney damage/failure
Eye damage and vision loss
Peripheral artery disease and other blood circulation problems

Know your numbers: screening and monitoring
Because hypertension is often symptom-free, the best protection is **regular blood pressure checks.

Tips for accurate readings (home or clinic):
Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring.
– Avoid caffeine, smoking, and exercise for 30 minutes beforehand.
– Use the correct cuff size; keep the arm supported at heart level.
– Take 2 readings one minute apart and record them.

If your readings are high, do not panic—repeat measurements and speak to a healthcare professional for confirmation and a plan.

Prevention and lifestyle measures that work
Lifestyle changes can prevent hypertension and improve control even when medication is needed.

1) Reduce salt (sodium)
High salt intake raises blood pressure. Aim to reduce added salt, limit salty processed foods, and taste food before adding extra salt.

2) Eat for heart health
– More fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains
– Choose healthier fats; reduce trans fats and excessive saturated fats.

3) Maintain a healthy weight
Even modest weight loss can lower blood pressure and reduce risk.

4) Be physically active
Regular activity helps lower blood pressure and strengthens the heart. Aim for consistent weekly activity suited to your health status.

5) Limit alcohol and stop smoking
Reducing alcohol helps blood pressure control, and quitting smoking reduces overall cardiovascular risk.

6) Manage stress and sleep
Good sleep and stress management support healthy blood pressure and overall wellbeing.

Treatment: why medicines matter
If lifestyle measures are not enough or if your blood pressure is significantly high, your clinician may prescribe medication. Treatment is individualised depending on your condition and response.

Important: 
Take medicine every day as prescribed, even when you feel fine.
Do not stop suddenly without professional advice.
Tell your pharmacist/clinician about side effects; alternatives often exist.

Warning signs: when to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical attention if you have very high readings with symptoms such as:
Severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath
Weakness on one side, facial droop, difficulty speaking
Confusion, fainting, or vision changes

A pharmacist’s message
Hypertension is common, serious and controllable. The most powerful steps are simple: check your blood pressure regularly, adopt healthy habits, and take treatment consistently when prescribed. If you are unsure about your readings or your medicines, visit the nearest SYLKay Pharmacies or contact us for guidance and support.

References and further reading 
1. World Health Organization (WHO). Hypertension (Fact sheet). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
2. World Health Organization (WHO). Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults (2021). https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240033986
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/
4. American Heart Association (AHA). Home Blood Pressure Monitoring and recommendations for accurate measurement. https://www.heart.org/