Jai Radhakrishnan, MD, MS

Understanding Hypertension: Epidemiology and Prevalence

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It is typically defined as having a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 130 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 80 mm Hg or higher, based on the guidelines from the American Heart Association. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it may not cause noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred to the heart, arteries, kidneys, or other organs.

 – develops gradually over time with no identifiable cause.

 – caused by an underlying condition such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications.

Hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular conditions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization:

 of adults with hypertension are unaware they have the condition.

Hypertension is more prevalent with increasing age, and it disproportionately affects certain populations, particularly African Americans in the US, who tend to develop it earlier and with more severe consequences.

Despite being preventable and manageable through lifestyle changes and medications, hypertension remains a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

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A panelist discusses how hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” remains a widespread yet underdiagnosed and undertreated condition globally, contributing significantly to cardiovascular and kidney-related morbidity despite being largely preventable and manageable.

Jai Radhakrishnan, MD, MS

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