Hypertension
Persistently elevated blood pressure
What it is
Hypertension is chronically elevated pressure in the arteries. It is usually symptomless, which is why it is often called a 'silent' condition — and why measurement, not how you feel, is the only reliable way to detect it.
Why it matters
High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and dementia — and it is causal, so lowering it reduces those events. It is one of the most modifiable risks in medicine.
What BioSignal knows about treating this
What works for Hypertension
BioSignal’s clinical summary, most important first.
- The DASH dietary pattern
- Sodium reduction
- Weight loss
- Regular aerobic exercise
- Limiting alcohol
- Antihypertensive medication (clinician-directed)
Signal Records relevant to this condition
Interventions and contributing factors — some of these records describe a cause rather than a cure. The rating shown is BioSignal’s confidence in that Signal Record, not a claim about how well it treats this condition. Open any of them for the full evidence.
- Blood Pressure MedicationHigh confidence
Among the highest-value medicines ever made. The evidence isn't the problem — about half of people stop taking them, and that's where the strokes are.
- AlcoholHigh confidence
A Group 1 carcinogen with dose-dependent harms. The heart-protection belief does not survive the methods designed to test it. Cutting back helps, even without quitting.
- MagnesiumModerate confidence
Genuinely effective for a few specific things — eclampsia (in hospital), constipation, migraine prevention, and a modest blood-pressure effect. The reasons most people actually buy it — sleep, cramps, anxiety — are the weakest part of the evidence.
- Omega-3 Fatty AcidsModerate confidence
Lowers triglycerides, and reduces preterm birth in pregnancy. Routine fish oil does NOT prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer or dementia in the general population. High-dose omega-3 increases atrial fibrillation risk — a real harm most bottles do not mention.
New to this? Read these first
How this usually unfolds
- Recognize risk factors
- Get diagnosed
- Track key biomarkers
- Lifestyle first
- Evidence-based treatment
- Long-term monitoring
Who is at risk
- Older age
- High sodium intake
- Overweight and obesity
- Excess alcohol
- Physical inactivity
- Family history
- Chronic kidney disease
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis relies on proper technique and repeated readings — ideally home or ambulatory monitoring — rather than a single office measurement. US thresholds define stage 1 at 130–139/80–89 and stage 2 at ≥ 140/90 mmHg.
Key biomarkers
Lifestyle
Explore this condition across BioSignal
Related Foundations
Related Signal Records
Related peptide families
Related body systems
Frequently asked questions
I feel fine — do I still need to treat it?
Yes. Hypertension usually causes no symptoms until it has already damaged arteries, the heart, or kidneys. Treating it early prevents strokes and heart attacks you'd otherwise never see coming.
Can lifestyle alone control blood pressure?
For many people with mild elevation, diet, weight loss, activity, and reduced sodium and alcohol are enough. Others also need medication — the two work well together.
Evidence summary
Lowering elevated blood pressure reduces cardiovascular and kidney events, proven across many drug classes and lifestyle interventions (DASH, SPRINT). The main challenges are detection and sustained control.
References & sources
- 2017 ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guideline
- 2023 ESH Guidelines
- SPRINT and DASH trials
Educational information — not medical advice
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