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High blood pressure, also known as arterial hypertension, is one of the most common health problems of modern lifestyle – and often comes without warning. It's called the "silent killer" because it can operate quietly, without symptoms, for years while simultaneously increasing the risk of serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or vision impairment.
According to available data, almost every third adult Croat has high blood pressure, and most of them are not even aware of it. The good news is that hypertension can be detected in a timely manner, successfully controlled, and significantly alleviated – and not just with medication, but also through lifestyle changes.
In this text, learn about the most common causes and symptoms of high blood pressure, as well as the natural and effective methods for lowering it – from nutrition and physical activity to stress management. We will also present our multidisciplinary approach to hypertension at Priska Med Polyclinic, which combines the expertise of cardiologists, nutritionists, psychologists, and other specialists.
What are the most common causes of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure rarely develops "overnight." In most cases, it develops gradually, over the years, influenced by various factors that can be genetic, lifestyle-related, or health-related.
- Genetic predisposition – If you have a parent or close relative with a diagnosis of hypertension, there is an increased likelihood that you will develop a similar tendency. However, the hereditary factor does not mean that elevated blood pressure is inevitable – it means that prevention is even more important.
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits – The most common "silent causes" of hypertension are associated with everyday lifestyle. Excessive salt intake, fatty and processed foods, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress – all these are factors that significantly strain the cardiovascular system.
- Excess body mass – Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for the development of high blood pressure. Every extra kilogram further burdens the heart and blood vessels and is often linked to a disorder of fats and blood sugar levels.
- Hormonal and metabolic conditions – Hypertension often occurs alongside type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovaries, hypothyroidism, or sleep apnea syndrome. These conditions can further destabilize the pressure regulation mechanisms.
- Secondary hypertension – In a smaller number of cases, elevated blood pressure is the result of other medical conditions – such as kidney disease, adrenal gland issues, or heart defects. In these cases, we refer to it as "secondary hypertension," and it is essential to uncover the true cause through thorough examinations.
In any case, understanding the causes is the first step towards control. The goal of treatment is not just to "bring down the numbers," but to discover why they are high – and systematically address those factors.
The most common symptoms of high blood pressure (which we often overlook)
High blood pressure rarely gives clear signs in its early stages. That is why it carries the nickname "silent killer" – it can quietly disrupt health for years without visible symptoms, until serious complications such as heart attack or stroke occur. Nevertheless, many people begin to experience certain signals over time that are easy to overlook or attribute to fatigue, stress, or age.
One common symptom is morning headaches, especially in the back of the head. Many experience them as "normal," but when they occur frequently, they can be the first sign that the heart and blood vessels are under increased pressure. Some patients occasionally feel dizziness and instability, especially when standing up abruptly or moving, while others notice blurred vision, reduced sharpness, or occasional "sparkles" in their eyes – which may indicate changes in the blood vessels of the eye.
Additionally, feelings of fatigue and easy exhaustion during activities that were not previously tiring may sometimes be a sign that the heart is working under strain. Some also report feelings of tension or heaviness in the chest, which patients describe as a "mild pressure" that comes and goes. It is also not uncommon for individuals with elevated blood pressure to notice a rapid or irregular pulse, the sensation that the heart "skips" or beats unevenly.
It is important to emphasize that not all of these symptoms need to appear at once, and sometimes they are so mild that they go unnoticed. However, if they begin to recur, they should definitely be taken seriously. Regular measurement of blood pressure – especially after the age of 40 – is the best way to timely recognize hypertension and prevent long-term consequences.
Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure: Nutrition, Movement, and Stress Management
Although medications are often necessary for pronounced hypertension, a large number of patients can successfully control or significantly reduce their blood pressure with lifestyle changes. Natural methods are not intended to replace therapy but serve as a foundation for a more stable, long-term sustainable blood pressure – especially when combined with regular monitoring and professional oversight.
The first step is often a change in dietary habits. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as those from olive oil, or what we typically call the Mediterranean diet, can significantly contribute to stabilizing blood pressure. Special emphasis is placed on reducing the intake of table salt and processed foods, which often contain "hidden" sources of sodium. Instead, it is recommended to focus on foods rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants – such as leafy greens, oats, bananas, and other fresh fruits.
Learn more about our individualized nutrition plans
Physical activity plays an equally important role. Even a moderate daily walk, around thirty minutes of movement, can improve circulation, strengthen the heart, and lower blood pressure. It is not necessary to engage in sports – what matters is that movement becomes a habit. Continuity often brings more benefits than intensity.
Stress is a silent ally of hypertension, and daily exposure to information, screens, and a fast-paced lifestyle further worsens the condition. In this context, it is important to develop routines that help calm the body: deep breathing, meditation, relaxing activities before sleep, and quality rest have a measurable effect on pressure regulation. Even small changes – such as reducing time spent on the phone before bed or taking a quiet walk without music – can have a significant impact.
Additionally, attention should be paid to fluid intake. Dehydration can adversely affect blood pressure, and regular water intake throughout the day supports healthy circulation. On the other hand, it is important to limit alcohol and caffeine intake and completely avoid smoking – all habits that can significantly elevate blood pressure values and further burden the heart.
Although it is often thought that lifestyle changes require drastic steps, experience shows that consistent, small habits over time make the biggest difference. Natural methods may not work overnight, but once they become part of daily life, their effects become visible – and measurable.
Priska Med Approach: The Most Comprehensive Package for Hypertension Control in Croatia
At Priska Med Polyclinic, we do not view elevated blood pressure as an isolated number on a blood pressure monitor, but as a complex signal that the body needs systemic support. That is why we have developed an integrated package for the control of arterial hypertension, which combines knowledge from multiple specialties and ensures comprehensive care – from the causes to daily support.
The first step is a detailed cardiological assessment, which includes talking to the patient, a physical examination, ECG, echocardiogram, and if necessary, 24-hour Holter blood pressure and ECG monitoring. Our cardiologists gain insight into the specific causes of elevated blood pressure, the degree of risk, and the overall condition of the heart and blood vessels. Based on the findings, an individual treatment plan is created that may include medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
However, we know that changing habits often requires support. That is why nutritionists play an important role in our program, creating personalized nutrition plans that align with the diagnosis, lifestyle, and real possibilities of the patient. The plans are not given "on paper and forgotten" – they are monitored, adjusted, and implemented with continuous mentoring, so that the diet becomes a tool, not a burden.
In many patients, elevated blood pressure is also linked to emotional strain, stress, or life circumstances that further exhaust them. That is why psychological support is included in our approach – the possibility of consulting with a psychologist who helps identify and dismantle the causes of internal pressure. The goal is not just to "calm down," but to develop concrete tools for coping with everyday challenges.
Additionally, our team can include specialists in internal medicine, endocrinologists, and if necessary, monitoring of thyroid hormone levels, glucose, and lipids – as we know that blood pressure is always a reflection of the entire organism, not just the heart.
This approach enables us to not just treat the symptom, but to create a secure, sustainable, and patient-adapted system for blood pressure control. Because only then can we speak of real prevention, not a temporary improvement.
This is one of the most comprehensive and individualized hypertension packages in Croatia, designed to fully adapt to the health status, habits, and goals of each patient. From the first examination to achieving stable blood pressure together – the whole process is led by a team of experts with experience and understanding.
Conclusion
If you already have a diagnosis of hypertension or suspect high blood pressure, the right time to act is now. At Priska Med Polyclinic, we offer you the most comprehensive individual package for blood pressure control, combining the expertise of cardiologists, nutritionists, psychologists, and a range of other specialists – all in one place, tailored to each patient.
Only until June 1 or until the appointments are filled, in honor of World Hypertension Day, this package is available with a 25% discount, and the price is formed according to your actual needs.
Take the first step and permanently solve the problem of high blood pressure by booking an appointment at:
📞 099/444-3344
📧 poliklinika@priska-med.com
🌐 Directly via the contact form