The Impact of High Blood Pressure: Important Things to Know

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, has been estimated to affect approximately 120 million adults in the United States.1 Someone is considered to have high blood pressure if their blood pressure is consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg.1 Despite how common it is, high blood pressure often goes undiagnosed until it causes significant health problems, earning its nickname, “the silent killer.”2,3 It can quietly damage the body for years before symptoms even appear.3,4

High blood pressure, if left uncontrolled, can become dangerous and lead to the damage of vital organs.

For example:

  • It can strain the heart, and lead to weakening of the heart muscle over time and the potential for developing heart failure.4
  • It can also damage the blood vessels that the kidneys need in order to properly filter extra fluid and waste from the body, creating the potential for developing kidney failure.4

Since high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening complications, it should be taken seriously.4 Without normal function of organs like the heart and kidneys, people can develop conditions such as cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD).5 High blood pressure and CKD for example, are closely interconnected, in that high blood pressure can worsen kidney function, but a steady decline in kidney function can also lead to increased blood pressure.5

Consistent screenings can help people receive an earlier diagnosis

Even if a person's blood pressure becomes very high, most people do not experience symptoms and can unknowingly have high blood pressure for years.3 Due to the lack of urgency, people with high blood pressure may experience a delay in receiving treatment.

Receiving regular blood pressure readings by clinicians may help with earlier identification of high blood pressure. How often blood pressure checks are needed depends on a person’s age and overall health status. Starting at age 18, blood pressure readings should be taken at least every two years, and if a person is at least 40 years old, or if between the ages of 18 and 39 with risk factors for high blood pressure, readings should be taken annually.3 Early detection may help prevent severe complications associated with untreated high blood pressure.6,7

Managing high blood pressure can be difficult, but research is uncovering new reasons why

Even after receiving a diagnosis and treatment plan, high blood pressure can remain a difficult condition to effectively manage. Worldwide, nearly four in five adults with high blood pressure are not adequately treated.8 Despite some people receiving medication to manage their high blood pressure, 33 million adults in the United States remain uncontrolled (blood pressure of greater than or equal to 130/80 mm Hg).1 There are some people that do not respond well to treatment and their blood pressure remains high, even after taking maximally tolerated doses of three or more medications. These people would be considered "resistant", which significantly increases their risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and death.9,10

“Although several treatment options exist, an alarming number of patients still live with uncontrolled high blood pressure," observes Filip Surmont, US Medical Head, Heart Failure, Renal & Metabolism at AstraZeneca. "We need to reassess our approach to treating high blood pressure and explore new strategies that target the source of this disease to improve patient outcomes."

A better understanding of the underlying causes and risk factors of high blood pressure may help improve outcomes, especially for patients who are not at goal. Beyond the more common risk factors for high blood pressure such as comorbidities and age3, one lesser-known risk factor is aldosterone dysregulation.11

Aldosterone (aldo), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood. Aldosterone dysregulation (or excess aldosterone production), can lead to the kidneys retaining more sodium and water, causing elevated blood pressure.11,12

With an impressive legacy of innovating in cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases, AstraZeneca is uniquely positioned to create a healthier, longer future for people living with high blood pressure. By investing in the science and better understanding the drivers of high blood pressure, we're working to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

References:

  1. Million Hearts. Estimated hypertension prevalence, treatment, and control among US adults. May 12, 2023. Million Hearts website. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/data-reports/hypertension-prevalence.html
  2. FDA. High blood pressure–understanding the silent killer. April 11, 2024. FDA website. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/high-blood-pressure-understanding-silent-killer
  3. Mayo Clinic. High blood pressure (hypertension). February 29, 2024. Mayo Clinic website. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
  4. Mayo Clinic. High blood pressure dangers: hypertension’s effects on your body. November 28, 2023. Mayo Clinic website. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868
  5. Ku E, Lee BJ, Wei J, et al. Hypertension in CKD: core curriculum 2019. Am J Kidney Dis. 2019;74(1):120-131. doi:10.1053/j.ajkd.2018.12.044
  6. Schmidt BM, Durao S, Toews I, et al. Screening strategies for hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;5:CD013212. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd013212.pub2 US-91261 Last Updated 8/24
  7. Lackland DT. Early-life detection of hypertension risks. Hypertension. 2017;70(3):486-487. doi:10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.09529 https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/data-reports/hypertension-prevalence.html
  8. Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). First WHO report details devastating impact of hypertension and ways to stop it [press release]. Published September 19th, 2023. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://www.paho.org/en/news/19-9-2023-first-who-report-details-devastating-impact-hypertension-and-ways-stop-it
  9. John Hopkins Medicine. Resistant hypertension. Johns Hopkins website. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/resistant-hypertension
  10. Cleveland Clinic. Resistant Hypertension. August 30, 2023. Cleveland Clinic website. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15601-resistant-hypertension
  11. Parksook WW, Williams GH. Aldosterone and cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovasc Res. 2023;119(1):28-44. doi: 10.1093/cvr/cvac027
  12. Cleveland Clinic. Aldosterone. September 12, 2022. Cleveland Clinic website. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24158-aldosterone