It is known as the “silent killer,” and it is measured with just two numbers.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, typically does not have any symptoms, but it can lead to a variety of vascular diseases, some even fatal, rendering its nickname as the “silent killer.”
“It is just quietly doing damage under the surface,” said Dr. Hazem Malas, a cardiologist with ProMedica.
What is hypertension?
The pressure of blood in the body is measured as it flows through the vascular system to the heart and organs.
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers, typically recorded over each other. The systolic pressure, which measures the pressure of blood as it exits the body, should fall in a range of around 100 to 140. The diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure of blood as it enters the body, should fall in a range of around 50 to 90. A healthy blood pressure measurement is around 120 systolic over 80 diastolic.
Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day due to stress, hydration, activity, and diet, but it can be hazardous when an individual’s blood pressure becomes consistently high.
Hypertension can be caused by a myriad of factors but mostly commonly it is related to the foods and drinks a person consumes. High sodium diets, fried and processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol can all contribute to high blood pressure.
“What [salt] does in terms of our body, it retains fluid and volume, and therefore, raises the pressure of the system,” Dr. Malas said.
To lower higher blood pressure, Dr. Malas recommends following the Mediterranean diet, avoiding foods high in fat and salt, and exercising regularly.
“It may not be as good for the soul,” he said. “But it’s definitely a lot better for the heart.”
If left untreated, hypertension can cause damage to other organs in the body such as the heart and brain, and even to the eyes and kidneys. Dr. Malas encourages people to visit their healthcare providers on a regular basis or check their blood pressure routinely at home to identify irregularities quickly.
“Unfortunately, if it’s not caught early enough, it’s very difficult to reverse the progression of the disease,” Dr. Malas said.
Hypertension can also be caused by other factors outside of a patient’s control. In the event that blood pressure cannot be lowered by healthy diet habits and exercise, medication can be prescribed. Additionally, hypertension is proven to be genetic.
Hypertension could be in your DNA
Bina Joe is a distinguished university professor and chair of the department of physiology and pharmacology in The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. She has been at the university for 23 years and is the founding director of its Hypertension and Precision Medicine Center.
Her research began by studying the genetic link between DNA and hypertension. After discovering that about 30 percent of people susceptible to hypertension is attributed to genetics, she directed her research in a new direction.
The body’s blood pressure is primarily controlled by gut bacteria, so she began to look into what happens to blood pressure when a patient is prescribed antibiotics.
“When we consume antibiotics, we deplete our bacteria, so then what happens to blood pressure?” Mrs. Joe asked.
Through her research, she discovered the killing of good bacteria raises an individual’s blood pressure.
“When we consume antibiotics, at least in the animals I’ve worked with, it has mostly increased the blood pressure,” Mrs. Joe said. “So we have to be careful of consuming antibiotics.”
In addition to antibiotics, Mrs. Joe said salt can also affect the composition of the bacteria in the gut which leads to hypertension.
“As a population, we have raised our blood pressure very, very high,” Mrs. Joe said. “And susceptibility is projected to be skyrocketing.”
Julie McKinnon, the project manager of Healthy Lucas County, has experienced first-hand the rising rates of individuals with hypertension, but Healthy Lucas County is working with other local organizations to combat the increase.
Working together
Healthy Lucas County is a coalition of 30 different organizations working to improve health in the community. Some of their partners include the hospitals in Lucas County, the health department, and the mental health and recovery services for United Way.
Every three years, the organization conducts a health assessment to get a “snapshot of the health and well-being of residents.”
“[The reports] are used by Healthy Lucas County and other organizations throughout Lucas County to determine health priorities and what are some of the biggest areas of concern,” Ms. McKinnon said.
Data from the assessment is gathered through mailed surveys.
According to the 2019-2020 Community Health Assessment, 39 percent, or over 127,000, adults in the county had high blood pressure, up 4 percent from the previous report.
Although more than a third of the county is living with hypertension, Healthy Lucas County has a plan.
In the 2021-2024 Lucas County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), the second priority outcome is slowing the number diagnosed with chronic disease. To reduce high blood pressure, the organization wants to increase hypertension screening, evidence-based community programs to address cardiovascular health, and promotion of healthy lifestyles on a budget for target individuals on a low or fixed income. The organization hopes to reach its goal by Oct. 21, 2024.
One organization that’s part of the coalition working towards this goal is Toledo/Lucas County CareNet. The organization joined Healthy Lucas County in 2003 and has been providing accessible healthcare to low income individuals in the county since then.
In January, the organization applied for a $20,000 grant through the National Association of Free Clinics to provide blood pressure cuffs to pregnant women. Preeclampsia is a form of high blood pressure women experience during pregnancy or postpartum.
“That grant allows us to give our pregnant clients a home blood pressure monitoring system,” said Julie Grasson, the organization’s executive director. “We also provide education so they know how to use it, provide education on what is preeclampsia, what are warning signs, and help them keep a blood pressure log.”
With the grant, the organization was able to purchase 40 cuffs and is hoping to get more donated.
“All of us can be our own best advocate in our health care,” Ms. Grasson said. “So whether that’s for pregnant women with preeclampsia or the middle-aged person who has regular high blood pressure, the more you know, the better off you are and you can make the changes that are necessary for your own health.”
First Published July 23, 2023, 4:00 a.m.
