It is the continuous increase in blood pressure within the arteries. This means that “our arteries, which transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body, suffer too much pressure on their internal walls,” explains cardiologist Fernando Montenegro Sá, coordinator of the Arrhythmology Unit at ULS Matosinhos.

With chronically high and uncontrolled blood pressure, the walls of the arteries become clogged and damaged, preventing blood from reaching the organs. “There is an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The most serious consequences are acute myocardial infarction or stroke,” explains Fernando Montenegro Sá. According to the study Prevalence of high blood pressure in Portugal: results of the First National Survey with Physical Examination, promoted by the National Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, “high blood pressure contributes to 45% of total deaths from heart diseases and up to 51% of deaths from stroke.”

Other diseases can also arise as a result of poor blood pressure control and an increase in other risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, and each person’s family risk. They are:

Heart failure – When the heart has little strength.

Renal insufficiency – When the kidneys cannot properly filter the blood.

Peripheral arterial disease – When not enough blood reaches the legs, causing pain in them with exercise.

Yes. That is why high blood pressure is associated with the expression “silent disease.” The World Hypertension Report – The race against a silent killer, published in September last year, reveals that “around four in five people with hypertension do not receive adequate treatment.” And it warns of the following: “If countries manage to expand this coverage, 76 million deaths could be avoided between 2023 and 2050.”

Most of the time, hypertensive people do not have any symptoms and may not notice any difference. This is one of the main risks, since the first event that causes symptoms is usually serious (a heart attack or stroke, for example).

When there are signs, the most reported are:

• Headaches
• Buzz
• palpitations
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

The simplest way to assess blood pressure is preferably with an arm sphygmomanometer, a complex name, but easily identified as the device that measures blood pressure through an inflatable cuff.

Before measuring your blood pressure, you should rest – at least – for five minutes, and avoid smoking or drinking coffee. The cardiologist, a specialist in medical devices, explains that “the arm should be at the level of the heart, supported and relaxed.”

The first time blood pressure is measured, “it should be measured in both arms and the highest value should be considered.” However, a single augmented evaluation does not imply a diagnosis. To reach this conclusion, the evaluations must be repeated over several days and at different times. And they should always be confirmed with your doctor.

The measurement usually evaluates three parameters: blood pressure maximum, which doctors call systolic; blood pressure minimum, what doctors call diastolic and heart rate (number of beats per minute).

At rest, during the day and in a normal context – that is, without an acute illness at the time of measurement – a systolic (maximum) pressure value greater than 140 mmHg or diastolic (minimum) pressure greater than 80 is considered. mmHg. considered high.

Between 13 and 18 years – When the value is greater than 130/80 mmHg. Below this age the assessment is individualized.

For the majority of the adult population – When measured during the day, at rest, and evaluated in the context of a medical consultation, the appropriate value should be less than 140/90 mmHg.

The evaluation carried out at home – The person should be relaxed and ideally repeat the measurement three times. “In this case it should have slightly lower values ​​(equal to or less than 135/85 mmHg).”

From 65 years – With normal aging of the arteries, the most normal thing is to have a systolic blood pressure between 130/140 mmHg. And, from the age of 80, higher values ​​may be considered appropriate.

The first step is to change risk factors that depend on individual attitude, such as stopping smoking, reducing salt consumption, and starting or increasing physical exercise. Losing weight also helps control high blood pressure.

When these measures do not work or when the hypertension is too severe, it may be necessary to start taking medication. “But it is essential to maintain the change in lifestyle, regardless of whether or not blood pressure is controlled with medication,” explains Fernando Montenegro Sá.

In addition to high blood pressure of unknown cause, obesity, smoking, stress, and kidney disease are known to contribute to the onset or worsening of high blood pressure. But also “the habitual consumption of stimulant or analgesic drugs and other diseases, such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and alterations in the function of the thyroid or other glands in the body,” explains the cardiologist.

Yes. By consuming a low-salt diet, maintaining physical activity and avoiding excess weight. “30 minutes of walking three to five times a week are enough to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure,” suggests the cardiologist.

It is known that tobacco has a direct relationship with increased blood pressure, so it is recommended not to smoke. This attitude works, according to the cardiologist, as “a first antihypertensive measure.”

Hypertensive crises can also occur, which are sudden increases in blood pressure and can cause “acute and intense shortness of breath (acute pulmonary edema) and chest pain.”

According to the PHYSA study (Portuguese Hypertension and Salt Study) carried out by the Portuguese Hypertension Society, between 2011 and 2012, high blood pressure affects 42.2% of Portuguese adults and it is estimated that one in four people is unaware of their disease. .

Fernando Montenegro Sá highlights other data, from the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, which indicates that “only between 10 and 15% of all hypertensive patients will, in fact, be well controlled,” says Fernando Montenegro Sá.

At younger ages the prevalence is lower, but there has been an increase in diagnoses combined with the increase in obesity. “Currently, the prevalence of high blood pressure in children and young people is between 5% and 15%.”