| The lowdown on high blood pressure High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because there are often no symptoms. You can have it for years without knowing it. It can damage your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of your body. Celebrate National High Blood Pressure Education Month by getting the lowdown on this common condition that causes over 7 million deaths worldwide each year. What is high blood pressure? "Blood pressure" is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps out blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it's called high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure can damage your body in many ways. It makes the heart work too hard and contributes to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); increases your risk of heart disease and stroke; and can result in other conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness. Who is at risk for high blood pressure? About 1 in 3 adults in the United States (over 70 million people) has high blood pressure. - Blood pressure tends to rise with age; over half of all Americans aged 60 and older have high blood pressure.
- A family history of high blood pressure raises your risk for the condition.
- High blood pressure occurs more often in African American adults than in white or Hispanic American adults.
- You're more likely to develop high blood pressure if you're overweight or obese.
- A number of lifestyle habits can raise your risk for high blood pressure, including eating too much sodium (salt); drinking too much alcohol; not getting enough potassium in your diet; not doing enough physical activity; and smoking.
Learn more about your risk for high blood pressure What do blood pressure numbers mean and what should they be? Blood pressure measurements include two numbers, for example, 120/80 mmHg. The first number is your systolic pressure, which is the pressure of blood in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is your diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. The units used to measure blood pressure, mmHg, represent millimeters of mercury. The categories for blood pressure levels in adults are shown below. These ranges apply to most adults (ages 18 and older) who don't have short-term serious illnesses. Blood pressure tends to go up and down, even in people who have normal blood pressure. If your numbers stay above normal most of the time, you're at risk for health problems. Category | Systolic
(top number) | | Diastolic
(bottom number) | | Normal | Less than 120 | And | Less than 80 | | Prehypertension | 120-139 | Or | 80-89 | | High blood pressure | | Stage 1 | 140-159 | Or | 90-99 | | Stage 2 | 160 or higher | Or | 100 or higher | All blood pressure levels above 120/80 mmHg raise your risk for hypertension, and your risk grows as your blood pressure levels rise. Prehypertension means you're likely to end up with high blood pressure unless you take steps to prevent it.
Learn more about your blood pressure numbers What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called the "silent killer." Your numbers are often your only warning, so it's very important to know them, even if you're feeling fine. Blood pressure measurement is easy and painless, and is usually done at a doctor's office or clinic. Your doctor or nurse will use some type of a gauge, a stethoscope (or electronic sensor), and a blood pressure cuff. Most often, you will sit or lie down with the cuff around your arm as your doctor or nurse checks your blood pressure. If he or she doesn't tell you what your blood pressure numbers are, you should ask.
Learn more about how high blood pressure is diagnosed How is high blood pressure treated? High blood pressure is treated with lifestyle changes and medicines. Most people who have high blood pressure will need lifelong treatment. Sticking to your treatment plan is important. It can prevent or delay the problems related to high blood pressure and help you live and stay active longer. Healthy habits that can help you control high blood pressure include following a healthy eating plan; being physically active on a regular basis; maintaining a healthy weight; quitting smoking; and learning to cope with stress. If you combine these measures, you can achieve even better results than you would taking single steps. (More information regarding lifestyle changes, especially diet, will be covered in the next newsletter.) Some individuals can control their blood pressure with lifestyle changes alone, but many can't. If your doctor prescribes medicines as a part of your treatment plan, keep up your healthy habits. This will help you better control your blood pressure. High blood pressure medicines Today's blood pressure medicines can safely help most people control their blood pressure. These medicines are easy to take and the side effects, if any, tend to be minor. Blood pressure medicines work in different ways. Some remove extra fluid and salt from the body to lower blood pressure. Others slow down the heartbeat or relax and widen blood vessels. Often, two or more medicines work better than one.
Learn more about treatment for high blood pressure Questions to ask your doctor if you have high blood pressure Numbers
[ ] What is my blood pressure reading in numbers and what is my goal
blood pressure?
[ ] Is my blood pressure under adequate control? Lifestyle
[ ] What is a healthy weight for me?
[ ] Is there an eating plan to help me lose weight (if I need to) and lower my
blood pressure?
[ ] Is there a recommended healthy eating plan I should follow to help lower
my blood pressure (if I don't need to lose weight)?
[ ] Do I need to lower my salt intake and is there an eating plan that can help me?
[ ] Is it safe for me to start doing regular physical activity? Medications
[ ] What is the name of my blood pressure medication? Is that the brand name or the generic name?
[ ] What are the possible side effects of my medication and what should I do if I have any side effects?
[ ] What time of day should I take my blood pressure medicine? Should I take my medication with food?
[ ] Are there any foods, beverages, or dietary supplements I should avoid when taking this medicine?
[ ] What should I do if I forget to take my blood pressure medicine at the recommended time? Resources - What is High Blood Pressure? from the NHLBI Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI)
- My Blood Pressure Wallet Card
- Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure
- Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH
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