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Hypertension Overview: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, and How to Prevent It

Discover the causes, symptoms, and prevention of hypertension to protect your heart health and prevent serious complications.

personNaisly Team
scheduleJuly 9, 2025
Hypertension Overview: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, and How to Prevent It

Don’t get it twisted—hypertension isn’t just something that happens to older people. According to Indonesia’s 2023 Health Survey (SKI), about 10.7% of people aged 18–24 and 17.4% of those aged 25–34 were found to have hypertension just from a blood pressure check. That’s pretty worrying—especially since high blood pressure often comes with no symptoms and can silently damage your body if it’s not caught early. That’s why it’s important to know the signs, causes, and most importantly, how to prevent it.

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) happens when the pressure of blood flowing through your arteries is consistently too high. It’s usually confirmed after a few check-ups. People are generally considered hypertensive when:

  • Systolic (top number) > 120 mmHg
  • Diastolic (bottom number) > 80 mmHg

Left untreated, hypertension can damage your blood vessels and make it harder for your body to regulate pressure. That’s why spotting the symptoms early is key.


Common Symptoms of Hypertension

If something feels “off” in your body, don’t brush it off. What feels small could be your body’s way of waving a red flag. Many people ignore early signs of hypertension, which is risky. If you experience any of these, consider getting checked:

  • Frequent Headaches
     Usually in the back of the head, especially in the morning. It feels more like a throbbing pain, and painkillers often don’t help much.
  • Blurred Vision or Dizziness
     High blood pressure can damage tiny blood vessels in the eyes, causing blurry vision or little “floaters.” If this comes on suddenly, it could be serious.
  • Easily Tired & Shortness of Breath
     If your heart is working overtime due to high pressure, even small activities can make you feel exhausted or breathless.
  • Heart Pounding or Chest Pain
     Irregular heartbeats or chest tightness could be signs your heart is under stress from high blood pressure.
  • Nosebleeds Without Obvious Cause
     Random nosebleeds can happen if the blood vessels in your nose burst from too much pressure.
  • Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
     That annoying “ringing” sound might be caused by irregular blood flow due to high blood pressure.
  • Nausea or Sudden Dizziness
     If blood flow to your brain is affected, you might feel dizzy or nauseous—sometimes like vertigo. If confusion or fainting follows, get medical help right away.
  • Flushed Face or Red Eyes
     A sudden red face or bloodshot eyes without irritation could signal rising blood pressure.


What Causes Hypertension?

There are two types of risk factors:

  • Unchangeable factors – stuff you can’t really control
  • Changeable factors – lifestyle habits you can do something about


Knowing the difference helps you understand what you’re up against—and what you can start working on.

Unchangeable Risk Factors

  • Age
     The older you get, the higher your risk. Blood vessels naturally lose flexibility over time.
  • Sex
     Men have a higher risk in their younger years, but after menopause, women catch up due to hormonal changes.
  • Over 65 Years Old
     Women over 65 are especially at risk due to hormone shifts and weaker blood vessels.
  • Family History
     If high blood pressure runs in your family, your chances of having it go up too.


Changeable Risk Factors

  • Smoking
     Nicotine and other chemicals damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
  • Not Eating Enough Fruits & Veggies
     Fruits and vegetables help regulate blood pressure thanks to their fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
  • Too Much Salt
     High sodium levels cause your body to hold on to water, raising your blood pressure.
  • Being Overweight or Obese
     Extra weight means extra work for your heart, leading to higher pressure.
  • Lack of Physical Activity
     Sitting around too much weakens your heart over time and can lead to weight gain.
  • Too Much Alcohol
     Heavy drinking affects your heart directly and raises your pressure.
  • High Cholesterol or Fat in the Blood (Dyslipidemia)
     Buildup of fat in the blood vessels narrows the arteries and increases pressure.
  • High-Fat Diet
     Diets full of saturated or trans fats raise bad cholesterol and can block blood flow.
  • Stress
     Chronic stress messes with your hormones and can send your blood pressure soaring—especially if paired with bad habits like overeating or smoking.


How to Prevent Hypertension

Sure, older people are more at risk, but unhealthy habits can make anyone vulnerable—no matter your age. Think of healthy living as an investment for your future.

Here's how to start:

  • Lose Extra Weight
     People who are overweight are way more likely to get hypertension. In fact, being obese can make you 5x more likely to develop high blood pressure. Staying at a healthy weight really pays off.
  • Cut Down on Salt
     Try to keep salt intake below 5g per day (about 1 teaspoon). Don’t forget this includes hidden salt in cooking and processed foods.
  • Manage Stress & Relax Your Mind
     Stress = blood pressure spikes. Try meditation, yoga, or even breathing exercises to calm your nervous system.
  • Exercise Regularly
     You don’t need to run marathons. Just 30–45 minutes of light exercise (like brisk walking or aerobics) 3–4 times a week can work wonders.
  • Quit Smoking
     Cigarettes are loaded with stuff that damages blood vessels. Stopping is one of the best things you can do for your heart.



Hypertension is called the silent killer for a reason—many people ignore the warning signs. If you’re feeling any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, don’t wait. Visit a doctor or clinic and get checked. Early detection and action can help you avoid complications later on.

And remember—prevention is everything. The little choices you make today matter a lot down the line. Health is one of the best investments you can make for yourself.

Want an easy and natural way to help support your blood pressure? Try Naisly HealthyGrain Multigrain—a simple, nutritious daily option to keep your body in balance.


Sources:

  1. Badan Kebijakan Pembangunan Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. (n.d.). The hidden danger of hypertension among young adults. Retrieved from https://www.badankebijakan.kemenkes.go.id
  2. Wulandari, A., Sari, S. A., & Ludiana. (2023). The application of Benson relaxation technique on blood pressure among hypertension patients at Jendral Ahmad Yani Regional Hospital, Metro City, 2022. Jurnal Cendikia Muda, 3(2).
  3. RS Pondok Indah. (n.d.). Beware of the signs! Here are 8 commonly overlooked symptoms of hypertension. Retrieved from https://www.rspondokindah.co.id
  4. Ayu, D., Sinaga, A. F., Syahlan, N., Siregar, S. M., Sofi, S., Zega, R. S., Rusdi, A., Annisa, & Dila, T. A. (2022). Factors causing hypertension in Medan Tenggara District. Journal of Public Health (e-Journal), 10(2). https://doi.org/10.14710/jkm.v10i2.32252
  5. Santoso, R., Rahman, M. F., Nurakillah, H., Herawati, A. T., Safari, U., Wahyudinata, D., Tarisa, Z., Triana, Y., & Setiawan, Y. H. (2022). Preventing and managing hypertension through a healthy lifestyle in Cipadung Wetan District, Bandung City. Jurnal Media Abdimas, 1(3), 221. https://doi.org/10.37817/mediaabdimas.v1i3


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