Arterial hypertension

Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common chronic diseases and a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, heart failure, and diseases of the kidneys and blood vessels. It is often called the ‘silent killer’ because in most cases it causes no symptoms at all until serious complications develop. More than a third of adults have high blood pressure, and many do not know it, because it is discovered only by chance – during an examination or a routine measurement.

Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure measured in the clinic is persistently above 140/90 mmHg. However, because blood pressure can vary during the day and in stressful situations, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is often needed to get a reliable picture of the actual values. It can detect conditions such as masked hypertension or white-coat hypertension, as well as nocturnal hypertension, which is particularly associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

The most important risk factors for developing hypertension include genetics, age, excess body weight, too little physical activity, a diet high in salt, stress, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. High blood pressure also often occurs as part of other conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease or hormonal disorders.

Although hypertension does not usually cause clear symptoms, headaches, fatigue, confusion, palpitations or shortness of breath may occur – but these signs usually appear only when blood pressure is extremely high or when the disease has been present for a long time. That is exactly why regular blood pressure measurement is the most important step in early detection.

Treatment of arterial hypertension is based on lifestyle changes – reducing salt intake, eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity, stopping smoking and losing weight – and, where needed, medication. The aim of treatment is to achieve stable, well-controlled blood pressure during the day and night in order to reduce the risk of organ damage and long-term complications.

Arterial hypertension requires regular check-ups and an individually tailored approach. Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and monitoring are key to keeping the heart and blood vessels healthy and to preventing serious cardiovascular events.