By: Admin
June 15th 2024

What is hypertension?

Blood pressure is the force of the blood on the artery walls as the heart pumps blood through the body. Hypertension is the medical term for blood pressure consistently higher than normal.

Normal blood pressure ranges up to 120/80 (“120 over 80”) but blood pressure can rise and fall with exercise, rest, or emotions. The pressures are measured in millimeters of mercury.

According to the American Heart Association

Healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80.

elevated blood pressure (prehypertension) is from 120/80 to 129/80.

Stage I high blood pressure ranges from Systolic (upper number) BP 130- 139 to diastolic (Lower number) 80-89.

Stage II high blood pressure is Systolic (upper number) over 140 or higher, Diastolic (Lower number) 90 or higher.

Hypertensive crisis (consult your doctor immediately) Systolic (upper number) BP higher than 180, Diastolic (Lower number) 120 or higher.

about hypertension. (Checks of your blood pressure show a reading higher than 130/80, you have hypertension. (high blood pressure)

Your blood pressure numbers and what they mean.

Your blood pressure (BP)  reading records two numbers:

Systolic blood pressure is the first number. It measures the pressure your blood is pressing against your artery walls when the heart beats.

Diastolic blood pressure is the second number. It measures the blood pressure against your artery walls while the heart muscle rests between beats.

Which number is more important?

A higher systolic or diastolic reading may be used to diagnose high blood pressure. But the systolic blood pressure shows us risk factors for heart disease for people over 50.

As people get older, their systolic blood pressure usually goes up because:

Large arteries become more rigid.

There is more plaque buildup over time.

Higher rates of heart and blood vessel diseases.

Why is high blood pressure a problem?

When your blood pressure is high, your heart works harder to pump a normal amount of blood through your body. The higher pressure in your arteries may cause them to weaken and bleed, resulting in a stroke. Over time, blood vessels may become hardened. This often occurs as people age. High blood pressure speeds up this process. Blood vessel damage is bad because hardened or narrowed arteries are not capable of supplying the amount of blood the body’s organs need. The higher artery pressure may lead to atherosclerosis, in which deposits of cholesterol, fatty substances, and blood cells clog up an artery. Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart attacks. It can also cause strokes.

The added workload on the heart causes thickening of the heart muscle. Over time, the thickening damages the heart muscle, and it no longer pumps normally. This can lead to a disease called heart failure. Your kidneys or eyes may also be damaged. The longer you have high blood pressure and the higher it is, the more likely it is you will develop problems.

What causes High blood pressure?

There are no clear causes of hypertension. However, multiple factors can increase blood pressure, such as:

Being overweight

Smoking

Eating a diet high in salt

Drinking a lot of alcohol

Other important factors include:

Race: African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

Gender: Males have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure than women until age 55.

Heredity: If your parents had high blood pressure, you are more at risk.

Age: The older you get, the more likely you are to develop high blood pressure.

Some medicines increase blood pressure. Stress and drinking caffeine can make blood pressure go up for a while, however, the long-term effects have not been established.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

One of the main things about high blood pressure is that you can have it without symptoms. That’s why you need to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Some people may have symptoms, such as:

Headaches

Getting tired easily

Dizziness

Nosebleeds

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Although it happens rarely, the first symptom may be a stroke.

How high blood pressure is diagnosed?

High blood pressure is usually discovered during routine doctor visits. If blood pressure stays high for 3 visits, you probably have hypertension.

How High blood pressure is treated?

If your blood pressure is above normal you may be able to bring it down to a normal level with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, and changes in your diet, and exercise. When lifestyle changes do not lower your blood pressure your health care provider may prescribe medicine. The medicines bring the blood pressure down to a healthy level.

It is important to:

Take the medicine regularly, exactly as prescribed.

Tell your healthcare provider about side effects and have regular follow-up visits.

Self-care strategies:

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking medicines

Check your blood pressure as often as your health care provider advises and keep a chart of the readings.

Do not smoke.

Follow a diet that is low in fat, cholesterol, red meat, and sweets while emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, fish, poultry, nuts, and low-fat dairy foods.

Use less salt.

exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes 3 to 5 times a week.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink: 1 drink a day for women and up to 2 drinks for men.

Limit the amount of caffeine you drink.

Try to reduce the stress in your life or learn how to deal better with situations that make you anxious.

References:

American Heart Association (2024) Understanding Blood Pressure editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.

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