High blood pressure affects more than one billion people worldwide. Often referred to as the "silent killer", this condition frequently develops without noticeable symptoms, making it all the more dangerous. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that one in three adults has elevated blood pressure, and many are unaware of it. Understanding the warning signs, causes and risk factors of hypertension is essential to act early and protect your cardiovascular health. In this article, we take a closer look at this silent condition and explore the natural approaches that help support your circulatory comfort on a daily basis.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension or HBP, is an abnormal and sustained increase in the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries. But what exactly is hypertension? Blood pressure is measured using two distinct values. Systolic blood pressure corresponds to the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts to pump blood throughout the body. Diastolic pressure, on the other hand, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between two beats.
Hypertension is diagnosed when systolic pressure exceeds 140 mmHg and diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mmHg, measured on several occasions during a medical consultation. Normal blood pressure is generally around 120/80 mmHg in a resting adult.
HBP is the most widespread cardiovascular disease in the world. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.4 billion adults live with this condition, the vast majority in low and middle-income countries. It is one of the leading risk factors for premature death and contributes to numerous cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosis is based on blood pressure measurement, carried out by a doctor in the surgery or at home using a validated monitor. Additional tests may be prescribed to identify the cause or assess any damage to target organs such as the heart, kidneys or eyes.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
A frequently silent condition
Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because, in most cases, it causes no noticeable symptoms. A person can live for years with elevated blood pressure without knowing it, making it a particularly insidious disease. This is precisely what makes this condition so concerning: if left untreated, hypertension can cause progressive damage to the heart, arteries and other vital organs, without ever sending a warning signal.
This is why measuring blood pressure during every visit to the doctor is so important. Regular check-ups and systematic screening remain the most reliable ways to identify high blood pressure before it causes serious complications. Not waiting for symptoms to appear is the best prevention strategy.
Warning signs to watch for
Although high blood pressure is most often asymptomatic, certain signs may appear when pressure reaches particularly high levels or during a hypertensive episode. Among the most frequently reported symptoms:
- Persistent headaches, often located at the back of the head, occurring mainly in the morning
- Dizziness or recurring feelings of light-headedness
- Visual disturbances such as blurred vision or bright spots
- Nosebleeds without apparent cause
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Unusual shortness of breath, even at rest or during moderate exercise
- Heart palpitations
These symptoms are not specific to hypertension and may have other causes. However, their appearance, especially when several of these signs occur simultaneously, warrants a prompt consultation with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation of your condition. In some cases, a sudden rise in blood pressure can trigger a hypertensive crisis, a state that requires immediate medical attention.
Causes and risk factors of hypertension
Non-modifiable factors
Certain risk factors for hypertension are beyond our control. Age is the first of these: over time, the artery walls gradually lose their elasticity, which naturally promotes an increase in blood pressure. This phenomenon becomes more pronounced from the age of 50. Heredity also plays a significant role: if members of your family suffer from high blood pressure, your own risk is higher. Gender also comes into play. Men are more commonly affected before the age of 55, while the risk tends to even out after menopause in women, due to the hormonal changes that occur during this period of life.
Lifestyle-related factors
Many risk factors are directly linked to our lifestyle and can therefore be corrected by making better choices. Among the main ones:
- A diet too high in salt, which promotes water retention and increases pressure in the arteries
- Being overweight or obese, which forces the heart to work harder to supply blood to the entire body
- Lack of physical activity, which weakens the cardiovascular system over the long term
- Excessive alcohol consumption, which directly causes an increase in blood pressure
- Smoking, which damages the artery walls and accelerates their ageing
- Chronic stress, which keeps the body in a permanent state of tension and puts excessive strain on the heart
- Regular use of certain products, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can contribute to raising blood pressure
The good news is that managing these factors through simple daily adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Complications of uncontrolled hypertension
When left unmanaged over the long term, high blood pressure can lead to serious and sometimes irreversible complications. The constant pressure exerted on the artery walls gradually weakens them, increasing the risk of major cardiovascular diseases.
Among the most feared complications:
- Stroke, a leading cause of acquired disability in adults
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction), linked to the blockage of coronary arteries
- Chronic kidney disease, caused by the progressive deterioration of the blood vessels in the kidneys
- Heart failure, as the heart becomes exhausted from pumping against excessive resistance
- Vision problems, which can lead to severe damage to the retina
These complications account for a significant proportion of deaths worldwide. This is why appropriate treatment and regular monitoring are essential. The earlier the condition is managed, the greater the chances of preventing this damage and preserving quality of life over the long term.
Naturally preventing and supporting your blood pressure
Diet, the first natural lever
Diet plays a central role in managing blood pressure on a daily basis. Reducing salt intake is the first step to put in place: the WHO recommends not exceeding 5 grams per day, while the average consumption often exceeds 8 grams. Favour foods rich in potassium (bananas, spinach, avocados), magnesium and omega-3, which contribute to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.
The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is particularly recognised for its benefits on blood pressure. It is based on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, while limiting saturated fats and salt. Maintaining a healthy weight is also essential: every kilogram lost when overweight can contribute to a measurable reduction in blood pressure. To support this process, a detox and slimming programme based on Buds can naturally help your body along the way.
Physical activity and stress management
Regular physical activity is one of the pillars of hypertension prevention. Thirty minutes of brisk walking, swimming or cycling, five times a week, are enough to strengthen the heart and promote better blood circulation. Exercise also contributes to weight management and stress reduction, two factors directly linked to the risk of hypertension.
Chronic stress is an often underestimated aggravating factor. When the body is kept in a permanent state of alert, blood pressure remains elevated for longer than necessary, putting excessive strain on the heart. Relaxation, meditation, deep breathing exercises and quality sleep are all ways to calm the nervous system. During periods of intense tension, natural solutions for stress and sleep can support you effectively on a daily basis.
Buds for circulatory comfort
Gemmotherapy, which uses plant Bud extracts, offers natural solutions to support circulatory comfort. At HerbalGem, we select Buds recognised for their beneficial properties on the cardiovascular system.
Hawthorn Bud is particularly valued for its action on the heart and circulation. Used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, it contributes to maintaining normal cardiac function and supports blood circulation. Olive Bud, meanwhile, is traditionally associated with cardiovascular well-being and helps maintain blood pressure within normal values.
For a comprehensive approach, complexes such as Cordiagem combine several Buds with complementary properties, offering complete circulatory support. Discover our full range of natural supplements for circulation to find the solution best suited to your needs.
It is important to remember that these solutions are part of a complementary approach and in no way replace treatment prescribed by your doctor.
When should you see a healthcare professional?
Certain situations require immediate medical consultation. If you experience violent and unusual headaches, sudden visual disturbances, significant shortness of breath at rest, chest pain or repeated nosebleeds, see your doctor or go to the emergency department promptly. These signs may indicate severe hypertension requiring immediate medical attention. In such cases, every minute counts to limit the risk of complications.
Beyond these emergency situations, every adult over 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you have risk factors such as a family history of high blood pressure, being overweight, active smoking or lack of physical activity, this monitoring should be even more regular. Early diagnosis allows the necessary measures to be put in place before the condition progresses.
Do not hesitate to seek the advice of your healthcare professional before incorporating any dietary supplement into your daily routine. They will be able to guide you towards the best approach based on your condition and any existing treatment. The combination of rigorous medical monitoring and natural solutions is the best strategy for preserving your cardiovascular health over the long term.
