High blood pressure is identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the leading global risk factor for death. Often called the "silent killer," it contributes to approximately 10.8 million premature deaths each year. In South Korea, hypertension is consistently among the top causes of mortality. Data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service shows that the number of hypertension patients grew by 14.1% between 2019 and 2023—an average annual increase of 3.4%. Ahead of World Hypertension Day on May 17, it is essential to address the common misconceptions surrounding this condition.
Do No Symptoms Mean No Treatment?
Hypertension rarely presents specific symptoms, leading many to avoid treatment or discontinue medication prematurely. However, the true danger lies in the high risk of complications. Chronic high blood pressure can cause life-threatening heart and kidney issues, coronary artery disease, and strokes. Approximately 73% of patients seeking hospital care for hypertension already suffer from related complications. Consistent management is the only way to prevent these serious outcomes.
Can You Stop Medication Once Blood Pressure Normalizes?
Unlike temporary illnesses where medication ends upon recovery, hypertension generally requires lifelong management. Many patients find their blood pressure remains normal for a period after stopping their prescriptions, but in most cases, levels spike again within months, requiring a return to clinical care. Continuous treatment is vital for long-term stability.
Is Low Blood Pressure More Dangerous Than High Blood Pressure?
While low blood pressure (hypotension) requires caution, it is rarely life-threatening unless caused by massive, sudden blood loss. Unlike hypertension, hypotension does not carry a high mortality rate. Symptoms like dizziness, paleness, or fatigue are often attributed to low blood pressure when they are actually results of stress or overwork. For most people, slightly low blood pressure does not pose a major health risk.
Can Young Adults Ignore High Blood Pressure?
Statistically, hypertension is more prevalent in older adults, but complications can strike at any age. Recently, the incidence of high blood pressure has risen sharply among young adults, particularly those struggling with obesity. Furthermore, individuals with a family history of the condition can develop hypertension even without being overweight. Early intervention is crucial regardless of age.
Is 140/90 mmHg a Strict Limit?
The general target for hypertension management is a systolic pressure below 140 mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 90 mmHg. While treatment is typically initiated once these levels are exceeded, these figures represent minimum management goals. A reading slightly outside this range is not always a cause for immediate alarm, but any significant or sudden changes in blood pressure warrant a professional medical evaluation.
Is Hypertension Strictly a Men’s Disease?
While hypertension is more common in men, women are by no means immune. Women’s cardiovascular health is significantly influenced by hormonal shifts—including the menstrual cycle, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, and menopause. As lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking increase among women, so does the prevalence of hypertension. Notably, some research suggests that after age 60, the prevalence of hypertension in women equals or even exceeds that in men.
Additionally, women are more likely to experience "white-coat hypertension," a phenomenon where blood pressure readings are high in a clinical setting but normal during everyday life.
Expert Commentary: Jo Jongdae, Medical Director (Internal Medicine), Hypertension & Diabetes Center, Ulsan Eliya Hospital.
