High blood pressure, commonly referred to as hypertension, is often dubbed the “silent killer” due to its ability to go undetected while causing significant internal damage. Dr. Harlan Hicks of Iredell Internal Medicine recently discussed the causes, impacts, and preventive measures related to this condition.
Dr. Hicks explained that the primary cause of hypertension is the stiffening of arteries with age. “As we age, our blood vessels get stiffer, just like our joints,” he said. This stiffening leads to increased blood pressure as the vessels lose their ability to relax.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number). According to Hicks, “The systolic…is your heart rate when it’s pumping blood at maximum contraction,” while “the diastolic…is after that maximum beat when the heart is receiving blood.” A normal reading is considered 120/80.
Hypertension can progress silently until severe symptoms such as heart attack or stroke occur. Dr. Hicks identified three main contributors: age, lifestyle, and genetics. As people age, their arteries naturally become less flexible. Lifestyle factors like lack of exercise and poor diet are significant contributors as well. Additionally, genetics play a role; individuals with a family history of hypertension are more likely to develop it themselves.
Preventing or managing hypertension involves regular exercise and possibly medication or dietary changes. Dr. Hicks emphasized finding enjoyable physical activities: “If you’re not a runner, you don’t need to go out and run a 5K.” He suggested beginners start with short walks and gradually increase duration.
Hypertension’s silent nature makes regular medical checkups crucial for early detection and management. Many patients only discover their condition after experiencing symptoms like headaches for which they have been taking ibuprofen without realizing they had high blood pressure.
Dr. Hicks sees many patients dealing with hypertension at Iredell Internal Medicine in Statesville and is currently accepting new patients.
Iredell Internal Medicine can be contacted at 757 Bryant St., Statesville, NC 28677; phone number 704-873-5659; website iredellinternalmedicine.com
