High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common chronic adult illness in the United States. There is no cure for high blood pressure, but it can be controlled.
High blood pressure is one of the three major controllable risk factors for
cardiovascular disease (risk relates not only to how high your blood pressure is but also to how long it has been raised).
Controlling your blood pressure can also reduce your risk of kidney disease. The sooner your blood pressure is controlled, the less you risk future problems.
CausesHigh blood pressure can be hereditary. It can also be caused by a number of lifestyle
factors, such as being overweight, smoking, or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. A small number of people have secondary hypertension, which is high blood pressure caused by organ problems, disease or medications.
Treatment
Two numbers are used to measure your blood pressure: for example, 130 (systolic) over 85 (diastolic). The higher number, the systolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside
the artery when the heart squeezes to pump blood through the body. The lower number,
the diastolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is
relaxed and filling with blood. You have hypertension if your systolic pressure is
consistently 140 or greater and/or your diastolic pressure is consistently 90 or
greater.
Treatment decisions are based on your blood pressure measurement, presence or absence
of heart or kidney damage, and presence of other risk factors. Your doctor may give you
medications right away or may try a period of lifestyle changes (such as regular
exercise or change in diet) for up to 1 year. Depending on your treatment plan and
medications prescribed, your doctor will tell you how often to have your blood pressure
checked.
Self-Care Steps for High Blood PressureReduce high blood pressure and cardiovascular risks by:
Losing weight.
Being overweight increases your risk of developing high blood pressure.
A weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds can lower and help control blood pressure. Weight loss can also decrease blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. Weight loss is the most effective method for controlling hypertension without medication.
Exercising regularly.
Regular aerobic exercise -- such as walking, running, bicycling, or swimming laps -- can prevent and reduce high blood pressure. More activity can also help reduce weight and stress. Experts recommend 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise as many days of the week as possible.
Controlling salt in your diet.
Limit sodium to less than 2400 milligrams per day by not adding salt to food, and limiting processed, convenience, and fast foods.
Limiting alcohol.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure, add weight, and
make blood pressure control more difficult. Avoid alcohol or limit yourself to two
drinks a day for men, and one drink a day for women. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of
beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of 100-proof liquor.
Increasing potassium intake.
A high intake of potassium may improve your blood pressure control. Not getting enough potassium may actually increase blood pressure. Many fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium -- try to eat at least five servings a day.
Quit smoking.
Smoking cigarettes does not cause chronic high blood pressure, but smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Eating less fat.
Evidence shows a low-fat diet may lower blood cholesterol and the risk for coronary artery disease. Eating less fat will also aid in weight loss.
Taking your medications.
If your doctor prescribes medication, take it as directed. Discuss any side effects or reactions you experience with your doctor. Do not stop taking medications without talking to your doctor.
Seeing your doctor regularly.
After your blood pressure is controlled, you should continue to have it checked regularly. There usually are not symptoms to tell you if your blood pressure is elevated. See your doctor at least once a year to make sure your blood pressure is under control.
To confirm a high blood pressure symptoms/ hypertension diagnosis, your doctor will need blood pressure readings from
two or more visits. The data below outlines blood pressure classifications and the different stages of hypertension.
What the numbers mean:
Blood pressure classifications for adults age 18 years and older
Category Systolic (Top Number) Diastolic (Bottom Number)
- Normal <120>
- Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89
- Stage 1 hypertension 140-159 or 90-99
- Stage 2 hypertension 160 or greater or 100 or greater
treatment-of-high-blood-pressure
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