Why knowing your blood pressure numbers could save your life
Uncontrolled hypertension can trigger many health complications such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, stroke and more. Every year on World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, doctors around the world repeat a deceptively simple message: know your numbers,...
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Every year on World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, doctors around the world repeat a deceptively simple message: know your numbers, a message that is indicative of one of the most serious global health threats of our time.
What Exactly is Hypertension?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. It is recorded using two numbers:
Systolic pressure – the pressure when the heart beats
Diastolic pressure – the pressure when the heart rests between beats
“Blood pressure is classified by the following framework: normal blood pressure is defined as <120 mm Hg systolic and <80 mm Hg diastolic; elevated blood pressure as 120 to 129 mm Hg systolic and <80 mm Hg diastolic; stage 1 hypertension as 130 to 139 mm Hg systolic or 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic; and stage 2 hypertension as ≥140 mm Hg systolic or ≥90 mm Hg diastolic,” says Dr. Anil Kumar Grover, Specialist, Internal Medicine, Prime Healthcare Dubai.
Dr. Anil Grover
Specialists, Internal Medicine Prime Healthcare Group, UAE
According to international guidelines, blood pressure is generally considered high when readings consistently go beyond 130/80 mmHg. Over time, this damages blood vessels and vital organs including the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
Blood Pressure, the Silent Killer
Hypertension affects more than a billion people worldwide and remains one of the leading preventable causes of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. What makes it particularly dangerous is its quiet nature. For years, sometimes decades, it can damage arteries, strain the heart, and affect vital organs without producing a single obvious symptom.
That is why doctors often call it the silent killer.
“Hypertension is one of the most common chronic health conditions globally, but also one of the most controllable when detected early,” says Dr. Anil Kumar, who emphasizes that awareness and routine screening are the first lines of defense.
Causes and Risk Factors
Blood pressure can develop often because of a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Some of the most common contributors include:
Excess salt consumption Low dietary potassium Obesity and lack of physical activity Smoking Excessive alcohol intake Chronic stress Diabetes High cholesterol Family history Ageing“Increasing urban lifestyles, processed foods, and sedentary habits have significantly raised the prevalence of hypertension worldwide,” notes Dr. Anil Kumar.
In many countries, the condition is also appearing earlier in life.
One of the greatest challenges with hypertension is that most people experience no symptoms at all.
In some cases, people may report:
But doctors caution that these signs typically appear only when blood pressure is already dangerously high.
“The absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of disease,” says Dr. Anil Kumar. “Regular monitoring is the only reliable way to detect hypertension.”
When Should You See a Doctor?
Health experts recommend that all adults check their blood pressure regularly, particularly after the age of 30–35.
You should consult a doctor if:
Blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg You experience frequent headaches or dizziness You have risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, or a family history of hypertension You develop sudden neurological symptoms such as weakness or slurred speech Routine screening can help detect problems long before complications develop.Prevention: Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
The encouraging news is that hypertension is often preventable and manageable with lifestyle changes such as:
Reducing sodium intake is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressureIncrease potassium intake in your diet Staying physically active. At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week helps maintain cardiovascular health Maintain a healthy weight Quit smoking Limit alcohol Manage stress
When Hypertension Leads to Stroke
Erratic blood pressure can trigger stroke, one of the most serious complications. It is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain that can cause permanent disability or death.
“Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability worldwide and the third leading cause of death globally,” says Dr. Suhail Abdulla Alrukn, Neurology Consultant and President of the Emirates Neurology Society.
He continues, “The World Health Organization (WHO) expects that by 2030, there will be more than 20 million stroke victims annually. Out of these 20 million, half will die within six months of the event, and five million will have severe disabilities.” In many cases, the underlying trigger is uncontrolled blood pressure.
“In our community, 70 per cent of stroke victims have uncontrolled blood pressure,” he says. “Hypertension is the main cause.”
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted.
“A stroke means a stoppage of blood flow to brain tissue, which prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching that area, leading to permanent brain damage,” explains Dr. Suhail.
The damage begins almost immediately.
Dr. Suhail Abdulla Alrukn
Neurology Consultant and President of the Emirates Neurology Society.
“After just three minutes without blood flow, brain cells begin to die,” he says. “Every minute of delay results in the death of approximately two million brain cells.”
There are two main types:
Ischemic stroke – caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain. This accounts for about 80 per cent of cases.
Hemorrhagic stroke – caused by bleeding in the brain due to the rupture of a weakened blood vessel.
Years of uncontrolled hypertension weaken artery walls, making both types more likely.
Stroke is Striking Younger Patients
“Stroke occurs not only in the elderly but also in young patients,” Dr. Suhail says. “In the UAE community, 50 per cent of stroke victims we see in hospitals are younger than 45. It results in a huge burden on families, as these patients are often at the peak of building families and careers,” he notes.
BE FAST
Because immediate treatment is critical, doctors urge the public to recognize the early warning signs of stroke.
Dr. Suhail summarizes them using the acronym BE FAST:
B – Balance: sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: vision problems or double vision
F – Face: facial drooping
A – Arms: weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
S – Speech: slurred or difficult speech
T – Time: seek emergency medical help immediately
“Time is golden for the brain,” he emphasises.
There is a crucial 4.5-hour treatment window during which clot-busting medication can significantly improve recovery. Around one-third of stroke patients experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA) before the actual stroke, which is a warning that should never be ignored, says Dr Soheil.
The most powerful message of World Hypertension Day is that many strokes are preventable. “Early detection and treatment can prevent strokes in almost 90 per cent of patients,” says Dr Suhail. Routine health checks — measuring blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol — can identify risk factors long before they turn into medical emergencies.
High blood pressure may be silent, but it is measurable. And, once detected, it is treatable.
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