Most Googled Health Concern: High Blood Pressure

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – People are starting to realize you can develop high blood pressure without any symptoms, turning into a silent killer.

In 2024, Americans turned to Google for answers to their health concerns, with “What causes high blood pressure?” among the most searched questions.

Soliant Health, a health care job search site that analyzed 2024 Google search data, highlighted this as a top concern. This growing awareness reflects the connection between hypertension and serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.

“People are starting to realize you can develop high blood pressure without any symptoms,” says Melissa Wendell, a nurse practitioner at Aspirus Cardiology. “They want to know what they can do to prevent it.”

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, develops over time and can often be prevented. Wendell explains some of the primary factors:

1. Unhealthy Diet: “High blood pressure is often caused by a diet high in processed foods and salt,” Wendell explains. A lack of potassium-rich foods also contributes.

2. Obesity: Extra weight puts added strain on the heart, increasing stress on blood vessels.

3. Physical Inactivity: “Exercise helps your blood vessels become more pliable and can bring down your weight, which lowers blood pressure,” says Wendell.

4. Underlying Medical Conditions: Chronic issues like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea are linked to hypertension. “If blood pressure stays high, it can lead to serious complications like chronic kidney disease,” Wendell notes.

5. Modern Lifestyle: Wendell observes, “High blood pressure is happening at younger ages due to diets high in salt and processed foods, along with decreased physical activity.”

Taking Control of Your Health

Wendell emphasizes that hypertension is preventable with lifestyle changes. “Simply reducing salt and avoiding processed foods can help your blood pressure. Staying active also makes a big difference.”

For those concerned, Wendell advises taking early action. “It’s important to know your numbers. See a primary care provider to identify any underlying causes and determine whether treatment is needed. Your provider can help guide you.”

Visit www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider to find a provider near you.