What is high blood pressure, and how is it defined?
High blood pressure (HBP) is a chronic elevation of blood pressure to ≥ 140/90 mmHg as measured in a doctor’s office, confirmed by repeated measurements. Nicknamed the “silent killer,” it is asymptomatic in 90% of cases and affects 1 in 3 French people. If left untreated, it progressively damages the arteries and target organs. Any antihypertensive treatment is prescribed and monitored by a doctor—never change it without medical advice. Supportive supplements are available in the store’s cardiovascular health line.
- 2018 ESH/ESC Classification: high normal: 130–139/85–89 mmHg — Grade 1 hypertension: 140–159/90–99 mmHg — Grade 2 hypertension: 160–179/100–109 mmHg — Grade 3 hypertension: ≥ 180/110 mmHg — see “Blood Pressure ” for normal values and measurement procedures
- Primary (essential) hypertension: 90–95% of cases — multifactorial (genetic + lifestyle) — risk factors: age, overweight, smoking, salt intake, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, alcohol
- Secondary hypertension: 5–10% of cases — identifiable cause (renal artery stenosis, hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, sleep apnea, medications: NSAIDs, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids) — etiological evaluation if hypertension is resistant or of early onset
- Target organs of chronic hypertension: brain (ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, hypertensive encephalopathy, cognitive decline, dementia) — heart ( myocardialinfarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure) — kidneys (hypertensive nephropathy, chronic kidney disease) — retina (hypertensive retinopathy)
What are the risk factors and special considerations?
- Main modifiable factors: excessive salt intake (>5 g/day increases blood pressure by 5–10 mmHg) — abdominal obesity (a weight loss of 5–10 kg lowers blood pressure by 5–20 mmHg) — sedentary lifestyle — alcohol consumption (> 2 drinks/day for women, > 3 for men) — smoking (Tobacco Info Service: 3989) — chronic stress (cortisol, adrenaline — activation of the renin-angiotensin system)
- Hypertension and pregnancy: gestational hypertension (after 20 weeks) and preeclampsia (hypertension + proteinuria ≥ 300 mg/24h) are obstetric emergencies — weekly blood pressure monitoring starting in the first trimester — certain antihypertensive medications are contraindicated during pregnancy (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) — mandatory obstetric and cardiological follow-up
- Hypertension and the elderly: adjusted blood pressure target (< 150/80 mmHg if > 80 years old) — risk of orthostatic hypotension exacerbated by antihypertensive medications — polypharmacy — regular home blood pressure monitoring recommended
DASH diet, lifestyle changes, and supplements for support
These measures form the cornerstone of prevention and support for medical treatment—they do not replace prescribed medications (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers). Consult a doctor before taking any supplements if you are currently on antihypertensive medication.
- DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension): high in potassium (bananas, avocados, legumes—counteracts the blood-pressure-raising effect of sodium) — colorful fruits and vegetables — low-fat dairy products — whole grains — reduced sodium intake (< 5 g/day of salt) — reduced saturated fat intake — efficacy equivalent to a first-line antihypertensive medication in primary prevention
- Magnesium: natural vasodilator — very common deficiency in hypertension — positive meta-analyses on systolic blood pressure reduction (–2 to –5 mmHg) — 300 to 400 mg/day bisglycinate
- Hawthorn: peripheral vasodilator — supports cardiac comfort and blood pressure in cases involving an anxiety component — well-established EMA — contraindications with antiarrhythmics and digoxin — consult a physician if currently taking antihypertensive medication
- Omega-3 EPA-DHA: documented reduction in systolic blood pressure (–2 to –4 mmHg at 3–4 g/day) — 2 to 3 g/day — EFSA health claim regarding cardiac function
- See also cardiovascular diseases andhypotension for a comprehensive overview of blood pressure disorders
