The Silent Killer: Demystifying Hypertension and Target Numbers

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure measures the hydrostatic lateral pressure exerted by circulating blood against the walls of systemic arterial vessels. Readings consist of two values: Systolic Blood Pressure (peak pressure during ventricular contraction) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (trough pressure during ventricular relaxation).

Clinical Stages of Hypertension

• Normal: Under 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mmHg and Diastolic <80 mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130-139 mmHg or Diastolic 80-89 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic 140 mmHg or higher, or Diastolic 90 mmHg or higher
• Hypertensive Crisis: >180/120 mmHg (requires immediate emergency medical assessment)

Evidence-Based Interventions

Adopting the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern—rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and dietary fiber—along with reducing sodium intake to under 2,000 mg daily can reduce systolic blood pressure by up to 10-12 mmHg. First-line medications include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Calcium Channel Blockers, and Thiazide diuretics.