High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Millions of Americans have high blood pressure. At Reid Health, you’ll find understanding providers with the care and advice you need to get your blood pressure under control.
Taking control of high blood pressure
About half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. High blood pressure is considered a “silent” disease because it doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms. However, it can damage artery walls over time, increasing the risk of serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke.
You can protect your long-term heart health by taking steps to reduce your blood pressure. Some people can manage high blood pressure with lifestyle changes, but your provider can also prescribe medications if lifestyle changes aren’t enough.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force with which blood hits the artery walls. When your blood pressure is normal, blood flows through the arteries easily, but when blood pressure is high, the blood hits the artery walls quite forcefully.
There are two types of high blood pressure:
- Primary high blood pressure, which occurs as a standalone medical condition, is the most common type and often develops over time.
- Secondary high blood pressure is caused by other medical conditions and certain medications.
Blood pressure readings are presented as fractions. A normal blood pressure is when the top number (systolic pressure) is less than 120 and the bottom number (diastolic pressure) is less than 80. If the bottom number is less than 80 but your top number is between 120 and 129, your blood pressure is considered “elevated.”
High blood pressure is defined as 130 mmHg or higher over 80 mmHg or higher.
Blood pressure ranges*
| Systolic (top number) | Diastolic (bottom number) | ||
| Number | Less than 120 | and | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | and | Less than 80 |
| Stage 1 high blood pressure | 130-139 | or | 80-89 |
| Stage 2 high blood pressure | 140 or above | or | 90 or above |
| Hypertensive crisis (medical emergency) | Over 180 | and/or | Over 120 |
*Source American Heart Association
why choose reid health
Your heart is in the right place
At Reid Health Heart & Vascular Center, we’re in the business of keeping your heart healthy. Helping you maintain a healthy blood pressure is a key part of that mission.
Our experienced team of primary care providers and heart specialists can help you find the right treatments to lower your blood pressure and keep it in a healthy range.
Hypertension risk factors
Various factors contribute to the risk of developing high blood pressure, many of which are related to lifestyle and genetics.
Some key risk factors include:
- Certain medications: Some drugs, including hormonal contraceptives and NSAIDs, might elevate blood pressure.
- Chronic conditions: Disorders like diabetes or thyroid issues can heighten the risk of high blood pressure.
- Ethnic background: Hypertension is more common in Black adults, emphasizing the need for increased awareness.
- Excessive alcohol intake: High alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and contribute to obesity, which also increases risk.
- Family history: Genetics can significantly influence the likelihood of developing hypertension.
- Lack of physical activity: Sedentary habits can contribute to weight gain and elevated blood pressure.
- Older age: Aging often leads to stiffer blood vessels and higher blood pressure.
- Overweight or obesity: Extra weight places additional strain on the heart, increasing blood pressure.
- Poor diet: High sodium intake and processed foods can negatively affect blood pressure levels.
- Smoking history: Tobacco use damages blood vessels and increases hypertension risk.
Symptoms of hypertension
High blood pressure often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. Extremely high blood pressure might cause:
- Back pain
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Numbness
- Shortness of breath
- Vision changes
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Managing hypertension
In many cases, lifestyle changes are enough to lower blood pressure or reduce your risk of high blood pressure. A provider might recommend you make changes to your habits, such as:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fat
- Exercising more
- Finding healthy ways to manage stress
- Not smoking
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your provider could suggest medications. Medications to control high blood pressure work in a few ways. They can:
- Block a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow (angiotensin 2 receptor blockers)
- Relax blood vessels (calcium channel blockers)
- Reduce the amount of fluid in your body (diuretics)