24/06/2026 07:37 - Salud
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition characterized by sustained elevated pressure in the arteries. Cardiologists refer to it as the "silent disease" because it lacks obvious symptoms, meaning many people may have it without even knowing.
This condition can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, including:
The American Heart Association considers readings above 120/80 mmHg as elevated blood pressure, making regular check-ups essential for early detection.
Dr. Amnon Beniaminovitz, founder and lead cardiologist at Vivify Medical in New York, warns there is a direct relationship between processed food consumption and increased blood pressure.
"More salt equals more sodium in the blood, which attracts water from surrounding tissues into the blood vessels and increases blood volume," the specialist explained.
Dr. Lawrence Phillips, cardiologist and associate professor at NYU Langone Health, noted an especially high incidence of elevated blood pressure in patients with obesity.
Excess weight increases strain on the cardiovascular system, which can lead to hypertension if not controlled.
A diet high in sodium also promotes weight gain, creating a vicious cycle that's difficult to break.
Remaining inactive promotes excess weight and contributes to arterial stiffening, two direct risk factors for developing hypertension.
Dr. Beniaminovitz stated that regular aerobic exercise is the best type of physical activity for controlling blood pressure.
Sustained stress over time keeps blood pressure elevated due to the constant release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
These hormones cause vasoconstriction and increase heart rate, directly impacting blood pressure readings.
Dr. Phillips indicated that rising obesity rates have led to more cases of sleep apnea, a condition that reduces oxygen levels and forces the body to raise blood pressure as a compensatory mechanism. Poor sleep quality is a critical factor that is often overlooked.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Aerobic exercise is most beneficial for blood pressure control.
Prioritize foods rich in potassium and magnesium. Adopt approaches like the DASH diet or the Mediterranean diet, scientifically proven to help control blood pressure.
Excessive alcohol consumption is directly linked to increased blood pressure and should be moderated.
Practice meditation, yoga or other stress management techniques to reduce cortisol and adrenaline levels.
Hypertension is a preventable and manageable condition with lifestyle changes. Regular medical check-ups are fundamental for early detection, especially since this disease presents no obvious symptoms in its early stages.
Adopting healthy habits such as reducing sodium intake, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular aerobic exercise, managing stress, and caring for sleep quality can make a significant difference in preventing this condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Source: El Eco - June 23, 2026
Alfredo S. Quiroga
