Related Media: High Blood Pressure and the DASH Diet

Related Media: Controlling Your High Blood Pressure

Definition

High blood pressure (hypertension) is when the force on the blood vessel walls is too high. Blood pressure measurement includes two numbers:

• Systolic pressure: top number, normal reading is 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or less
• Diastolic pressure: bottom number, normal reading is 80 mmHg or less

Blood pressure categories are:

• Elevated, but not yet high blood pressure:
  • Systolic pressure is 120-129 mmHg and the
  • Diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg
• Stage 1:
  • Systolic pressure is 130-139 mmHg and/or
  • Diastolic pressure is 80-89 mmHg
• Stage 2:
  • Systolic pressure is greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or
  • Diastolic pressure is greater than or equal to 90 mmHg

High blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, this can cause severe health problems. Early treatment can improve outcomes.

Organs Impacted by High Blood Pressure

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Causes

The body has many steps to help keep blood pressure in a healthy range. It is not clear what changes happen that lead to high blood pressure. Things that may play a role are:

• Genetics
• Lack of physical activity
• Diet
• Being overweight or obese

Risk Factors

This problem usually starts when a person is between 20 and 50 years of age. The risk increases with age. Other things that may raise the risk are:

• Having other family members with this problem
• Being overweight
• Alcohol use disorder
• Smoking
• Use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• An inactive lifestyle
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• A diet that is high in fat and salt
• Stress

Symptoms

Most people do not have symptoms until blood pressure is very high. Problems may be:

• Headache
• Blurry or double vision
• Belly pain
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness

Diagnosis

High blood pressure is often found during a doctor's visit. If the reading is high, you will come back for repeat checks. High blood pressure will be confirmed after more than two readings over more than two visits.

A doctor's office can make some people nervous. This can cause higher than normal blood pressure. You may be asked to measure your blood pressure at home or in another location.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure. The methods used may need to be changed over time. Choices are:

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be lowered by:

• Eating a healthful diet that is low in fat, salt, and processed foods and rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables
• Exercising regularly
• Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol