Hypertension: It’s Causes and How to Treat It

Blood pressure readings are a standard component of health check-ups, though they often go unnoticed by those with normal levels. However, this vital sign holds huge significance, as nearly half of Americans suffer from hypertension, a condition that can lead to serious health complications including stroke, heart attack, vascular dementia, and congestive heart failure. Understanding blood pressure involves two key measurements: systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (when the heart rests), with normal readings at 120/80 and hypertension diagnosed at 130/80 or higher.

Multiple factors influence blood pressure levels, with age and genetics playing significant roles in its development. Dr. Erica Spatz, director of Yale Medicine’s Preventive Cardiovascular Health Program, notes that lifestyle and environmental factors are also crucial contributors, including sleep quality, stress management, dietary choices, and physical activity levels. Additionally, psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and experiences of discrimination can impact blood pressure readings.

Healthcare providers at Yale Medicine take a comprehensive approach to treating high blood pressure, first examining lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep patterns, exercise habits, and stress management practices. When these modifications alone prove insufficient, Dr. Spatz indicates that medication may be prescribed as the next step in treatment.

A key factor in blood pressure management is addressing chronic stress, as explained by Gaffey. When stress persists over extended periods, it can cause elevated levels of various hormones, particularly cortisol, which has a direct impact on raising blood pressure.

Yale Medicine recognizes the disproportionate impact of hypertension on Black Americans, who tend to develop high blood pressure both more frequently and at younger ages compared to other racial and ethnic groups. In response, they’ve made it a priority to build a diverse medical team and establish partnerships with community organizations, focusing particularly on reaching young Black men who may need care.

The initiative addresses a crucial healthcare challenge: encouraging patients to proactively seek medical attention. By working through community connections and maintaining a culturally diverse staff, Yale Medicine aims to create more accessible and culturally competent pathways to hypertension treatment and management.

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