High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly half of American adults, yet many people don’t understand what it is or why it matters. This guide will help you understand the basics of hypertension, what your blood pressure numbers mean, and why controlling it is crucial for your long-term health.
What Blood Pressure Is and How It’s Measured
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. This pressure is necessary to move blood through your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and organs.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
Systolic pressure (the top number): Represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood out.
Diastolic pressure (the bottom number): Represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is written with the systolic number above the diastolic number. For example, 120/80 mmHg is read as “120 over 80.”
Measurement typically involves using a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer) around your upper arm, which is inflated to temporarily stop blood flow and then slowly released while a healthcare provider listens with a stethoscope or an electronic device takes readings.
What the Numbers Mean
Blood pressure categories, according to the American Heart Association, are:
Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- This is the ideal blood pressure for most adults.
Elevated: 120-129/less than 80 mmHg
- This indicates you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure unless you take steps to control it.
Hypertension Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
- At this stage, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes and may consider medication based on your overall risk of heart disease.
Hypertension Stage 2: 140/90 mmHg or higher
- At this stage, your doctor will likely recommend a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.
Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mmHg
- This requires immediate medical attention. If you have readings this high, wait five minutes and test again. If readings remain this high, seek emergency medical help.
It’s important to note that a single high reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. Your doctor will typically take multiple readings over time before diagnosing hypertension.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hypertension is often categorized into two types:
Primary (Essential) Hypertension: This develops gradually over many years with no identifiable cause. Most adults with high blood pressure have this type.
Secondary Hypertension: This results from an underlying condition and tends to appear suddenly with higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Causes may include:
- Kidney disease
- Sleep apnea
- Thyroid problems
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Certain medications (birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, pain relievers)
- Illegal drugs (cocaine, amphetamines)
Several factors increase your risk of developing hypertension:
Age: The risk increases as you get older, with about 65% of Americans over 60 having high blood pressure.
Family history: Hypertension tends to run in families.
Race/ethnicity: African Americans develop high blood pressure more often than people of other racial backgrounds.
Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the volume of blood circulating through your body, putting more pressure on artery walls.
Physical inactivity: Inactive people tend to have higher heart rates and their heart must work harder to pump blood.
Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raises blood pressure and damages artery walls.
Sodium intake: Too much sodium (salt) causes your body to retain fluid, increasing blood pressure.
Potassium deficiency: Potassium helps balance sodium in your cells. Not getting enough can lead to sodium buildup.
Alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of medications.
Stress: High levels of stress can temporarily increase blood pressure.
Certain chronic conditions: Diabetes, sleep apnea, and kidney disease can contribute to high blood pressure.
The Silent Nature of Hypertension
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no warning signs or symptoms, even when blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Some people may experience:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
However, these symptoms usually don’t occur until blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.
This silent nature makes regular blood pressure checks essential. Without checking your blood pressure, you might not know you have a problem until it causes serious health complications.
Why Controlling Blood Pressure Matters
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems:
Heart attack and heart failure: High blood pressure damages arteries that can become blocked and prevent blood flow to the heart muscle.
Stroke: High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst or clog more easily.
Aneurysm: Increased blood pressure can cause blood vessels to weaken and bulge, forming an aneurysm that could rupture and be life-threatening.
Kidney damage: High blood pressure can narrow and thicken blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function normally.
Vision loss: Increased pressure in the blood vessels of your eyes can lead to vision problems or blindness.
Memory problems: Uncontrolled high blood pressure may affect your ability to think, remember, and learn.
Metabolic syndrome: This cluster of disorders includes increased waist circumference, high triglycerides, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high insulin levels.
The good news is that high blood pressure is manageable. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of life-threatening complications.
Next Steps
Knowledge is the first step in managing high blood pressure. Your next step is to check your blood pressure this week. Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks, or you might consider purchasing a home monitor for regular tracking.
If your blood pressure is elevated or you haven’t had it checked recently, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Early detection and consistent management are key to preventing the serious health problems associated with hypertension.
Remember, high blood pressure is a condition you can control, and taking action now can help ensure a healthier future.