Hypertension:

The pressure's on
High blood pressure (HBP or
hypertension) is when your
blood pressure, the force of
your blood pushing against
the walls of your blood
vessels, is consistently too
high.
Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – indicates how
much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery
walls when the heart beats.

Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – indicates

how much pressure your blood is exerting against your
artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.
Typically, more attention is given to systolic blood pressure (the first
number) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over
50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to
the increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term buildup of plaque
and an increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.

However, either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood

pressure reading may be used to make a diagnosis of high blood
pressure.

According to recent studies, the risk of death from ischemic heart

disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg
diastolic increase among people from age 40 to 89.
Learn what’s considered normal, as recommended by
the American Heart Association. See the chart
Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are
considered within the normal range. If your results fall
into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like
following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently
range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg
diastolic. People with elevated blood pressure are likely
to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to
control the condition.
Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges
from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic.

At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe

lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication
based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD),
such as heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges
at 140/90 mm Hg or higher.

At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe

a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle
changes.
This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention.

If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five
minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still
unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a
hypertensive crisis.

If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing
signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain,
numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see if
your pressure comes down on its own. Seek medical care
The American Heart Association
recommends no more than 2,300
milligrams (mgs) a day and an ideal
limit of no more than 1,500 mg per
day for most adults.
People with high blood pressure should
be aware that the use of decongestants
may raise blood pressure. Many over-
the-counter cold and flu preparations
contain decongestants.
If you drink, limit your
consumption to no more than two
drinks per day for men and no
more than one drink per day for
women
People with high blood pressure
should not move back and forth
between cold water and hot tubs or
saunas. This could cause an increase
in blood pressure.
Did you know you may experience health
benefits from losing as few as 10 pounds?
Just a few minutes of light activity for
people who sit most of the day can
lower blood pressure in those with
Type 2 diabetes.
Heart attack — 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
clog more easily or even
burst.
Heart failure — The
increased workload from
high blood pressure can
cause the heart to enlarge
and fail to supply blood to
the body.
Kidney disease or failure —
High blood pressure can
damage the arteries around
the kidneys and interfere
with their ability to filter
blood effectively.
Vision loss — High blood pressure can strain
or damage blood vessels in the eyes.
Sexual dysfunction — High
blood pressure can lead to
erectile dysfunction in men or
lower libido in women.
Angina — Over time, high blood
pressure can lead to heart
disease or microvascular disease
(MVD). Angina, or chest pain, is
a common symptom.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) —
Atherosclerosis caused by high
blood pressure can cause a
narrowing of arteries in the legs,
arms, stomach and head, causing
pain or fatigue.
Know your numbers
Most people diagnosed with high blood
pressure want to stay below 130/80 mm Hg,
but your healthcare provider can tell you
your personal target blood pressure.
Work with your doctor
Your healthcare provider will help you
make a plan to lower your blood
pressure.
Make a few lifestyle changes
In many cases this will be your doctor’s first recommendation, likely in one
of these areas:

Maintain a healthy weight.

- Strive for a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9.
Eat healthier.
- Eat lots of fruit, veggies and low-fat dairy, and less saturated and total fat.
Reduce sodium.
- Ideally, stay under 1,500 mg a day, but aim for at least a 1,000 mg per day
reduction.
Get active.
- Aim for at least 90 to 150 minutes of aerobic and/or dynamic resistance
exercise per week and/or three sessions of isometric resistance exercises
per week.
Limit alcohol.
- Drink no more than 1-2 drinks a day. (One for most women, two for most
men.)
Keep checking your blood pressure
at home.
Take ownership of your treatment by
tracking your blood pressure.
Take your medication
If you have to take medication, take it
exactly the way your doctor says.
High blood pressure can run in families. If your parents or
close blood relatives have had high blood pressure, you are
more likely to develop it, too. However, lifestyle choices have
allowed many people with a family history of high blood
pressure to avoid it themselves.
In some people, sodium can increase blood pressure. But
controlling sodium means more than just putting down
the salt shaker. It also means checking labels, because up
to 75 percent of the sodium we consume is hidden in
processed foods like tomato sauce, soups, condiments,
canned foods and prepared mixes. When buying prepared
and prepackaged foods, read the labels. Watch for the
words “soda” and “sodium” and the symbol “Na” on labels.
These words show that sodium compounds are present.
Chemically, kosher salt and sea salt are the same as table salt — 40 percent
sodium— and count the same toward total sodium consumption. Table salt
is a combination of the two minerals sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl).
About 103 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure — and many of
them don’t know it or don’t experience typical symptoms. High blood
pressure is also a major risk factor for stroke. If uncontrolled, high blood
pressure can lead to serious and severe health problems.
Many people have high blood pressure for years without
knowing it. It’s often called “the silent killer” because it
usually has no symptoms. You may not be aware that it’s
damaging your arteries, heart and other organs. Know
your numbers and don’t make the mistake of assuming
any specific symptoms will let you know there’s a
problem.
If you drink alcohol, including red wine, do so in moderation. Heavy and
regular use of alcohol can increase blood pressure dramatically. It can also
cause heart failure, lead to stroke and produce irregular heartbeats. Too
much alcohol can contribute to high triglycerides, cancer, obesity,
alcoholism, suicide and accidents. If you drink, limit consumption to no
more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
Generally, one drink equals a 12-ounce beer, a four-ounce glass of wine,
1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor, or one ounce of hard liquor (100 proof).
Because blood pressure can fluctuate, home monitoring and
recording of blood pressure readings can provide your
healthcare provider with valuable information to determine
whether you really have high blood pressure and, if you do,
whether your treatment plan is working. It’s important to
take the readings at the same time each day, such as
morning and evening, or as your healthcare professional
recommends.
High blood pressure can be a lifelong disease. Follow your
healthcare professional’s recommendations carefully, even if it
means taking medication every day for the rest of your life. By
partnering with your healthcare team, you can successfully reach
your treatment goals and enjoy the benefits of better health.
Sources:
 * https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-
pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/what-is-
high-blood-pressure
 * https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-
pressure/why-high-blood-pressure-is-a-silent-killer
 * https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-
pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure
 https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-
pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
 https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-
pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-
pressure