No symptoms for high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Both numbers are equally important.
Almost one in three American adults has high blood pressure. Once high blood pressure develops, it generally lasts a lifetime. The good news is that it can be treated and controlled.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it as a rule has no symptoms. Some individuals may not find out they have it until they have trouble with their heart, brain, or kidneys.
When high blood pressure is not treated, it can result in:
• The heart increasing in size, which may lead to heart failure.
• Small bulges (aneurysms) forming in blood vessels. Frequent locations are the chief artery from the heart (aorta), arteries in the brain, legs, and spleen.
• Blood vessels in the kidney to constrict, which may cause kidney failure.
• Arteries throughout the body to "harden" faster, particularly those in the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs. This can cause a heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
• Blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed which may cause vision changes and can result in blindness.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. At each instant of a heart beat (about 60-70 times a minute at rest), blood is pumped out into the arteries. Blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, between beats, blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure.
Blood pressure is always given as these two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Usually they are written one above or before the other, such as 120/80 mmHg. The top number is the systolic and the bottom the diastolic. When the two measurements are written down, the systolic pressure is the first or top number, and the diastolic pressure is the second or bottom number (for example, 120/80). If your blood pressure is 120/80, you say that it is "120 over 80."
Blood pressure changes during the day. It is lowest during sleep and starts to rise when an individual awakens. It also can rise when if an individual experiences excitement, is nervous, or is physically active.
For the majority of the time during the waking hours, an individual’s blood pressure stays the same regardless if they are sitting or standing still. This level should be lower than 120/80. When this level stays high, 140/90 or higher, the individual is said to have high blood pressure. With high blood pressure, the heart works harder, your arteries take a beating, and your chances of a stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems increases.
Normal blood pressure
Blood pressure readings below 120/80 are considered normal. Universally, lower is typically better. Still, very low blood pressures can sometimes be a concern and should be checked out by a physician if it should occur.
Physicians classify blood pressures under 140/90 as either "normal," or "prehypertension."
•" Normal" blood pressures are lower than 120/80.
•"Prehypertension" is blood pressure between 120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number.
For example, blood pressure readings of 138/82, 128/89, or 130/86 are all in the "prehypertension" range. If your blood pressure is in the prehypertension range, it is more likely that you will end up with high blood pressure unless you take action to prevent it.
High blood pressure classification
A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure. Both numbers are important. If one or both numbers are usually high, you have high blood pressure. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, you still have high blood pressure even if you have repeated readings in the normal range.
Two levels of high blood pressure: Stage 1 and Stage 2
Category |
Systolic |
Diastolic |
Normal |
Less than 120 |
Less than 80 |
Prehypertension |
120-139 |
80-89 |
High Blood Pressure |
Systolic |
Diastolic |
Stage 1 |
140-159 |
90-99 |
Stage 2 |
160 or higher |
100 or higher |
Note: When systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall into different categories,
the higher category should be used to grade blood pressure level. As
an example, 160/80 would be stage 2 high blood pressure.
Exceptions to the above definitions do exist. A blood pressure of 130/80 or higher is considered high blood pressure in persons with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Other Names for High Blood Pressure
General
•HBP
•Hypertension
•HTN
Caused by another condition
•Secondary hypertension
Other
•Essential hypertension
•Primary hypertension
•Idiopathic hypertension
Causes of high blood pressure
In many individuals with high blood pressure, a single exact cause is not known. This is called essential or primary high blood pressure. Research is ongoing to find causes.
In some individuals, high blood pressure is often the outcome of another medical problem or medication. When the cause is known, this is called secondary high blood pressure.
Who Gets High Blood Pressure?
About 65 million American adults--nearly 1 in 3--have high blood pressure.
In the U.S., high blood pressure occurs more often in African Americans.
Compared to other groups, blacks:
•Tend to get high blood pressure earlier in life
•Usually have more severe high blood pressures
•Have a higher death rate from stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.
Many individuals get high blood pressure as they get older. Over half of all Americans age 60 and older have high blood pressure. This is not a part of a healthy aging process. There are many things that can be done to keep your blood pressure normal, such as eating a healthy diet and getting more exercise.
Sign of high blood pressure
While known as the silent killer, these items can clue you in to your risk.
•Are you overweight?
•Are a man over the age of 45
•Are a woman over the age of 55
•Have a family history of high blood pressure
•Have a "prehypertension (120-139/80-89)" reading.
•Eating too much salt
•Drinking too much alcohol
•Not eating enough potassium
•Not exercising
•Taking certain medicines
•Stress that is long-lasting
High blood pressure symptoms
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because you can have it for years without knowing it. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure measured. Using a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope or electronic sensor, your physician or nurse can take your blood pressure and tell you if it is high.
Even though high blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, it is dangerous if it continues over time. It is important to find out if you have high blood pressure and, if so, to keep it under control.
High blood pressure sign and symptom
Only your physician can tell you if you have high blood pressure. Most physicians will check your blood pressure several times on different days before deciding that you have high blood pressure. A diagnosis of high blood pressure is given if repeated readings are 140/90 or higher or 130/80 or higher if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
Having your blood pressure tested is quick and easy. Your physician will use some type of a gauge, a stethoscope (or electronic sensor), and a blood pressure cuff.
You also can check your blood pressure at home with a home blood pressure measurement device, or monitor. It is important that you understand how to use the monitor properly. Your physician, nurse, or pharmacist can help you check the monitor and teach you how to use it correctly. You also may ask for their help in choosing the right blood pressure monitor for you. Blood pressure monitors can be bought at discount chain stores and pharmacies. Below are additional things to do when taking your blood pressure at home:
•Sit with your feel flat on the floor in a position that supports the back.
•Your arm should be at rest and at the level of your heart.
•Two readings should be taken, with a time of at least 2 minutes apart. Average the results of these readings.
Some individuals experience rises in blood pressure only when they visit the physician's office. This situation is called "white coat" hypertension. If your physician suspects this, you may be prompted to check and document your blood pressure at home with a home monitor.
High blood pressure diet
You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure. One should focus on:
•Keeping a healthy weight
•Being physically active
•Following a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods.
•Choosing and preparing foods with less salt and sodium
•Drinking alcohol in moderation if you drink.
Alcohol and high blood pressure
Drinking too much alcohol can elevate blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, it is wise to limit your drinks to just two a day for men and one a day for women. A drink is defined as either: 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ounces of 80-proof distilled liquor.
Again: It is wise to limit or consume alcohol in moderation.
High blood pressure treatment
Typically the goal of treatment is to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 (130/80 if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease). Ask your physician what your blood pressure goal should be.
Some individuals can thwart or manage high blood pressure by shifting to healthier habits, such as:
•Eating healthy foods that include fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products
•Reducing salt and sodium in the diet
•Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight
•Staying physically active.
•Restricting alcohol intake.
On occasion blood pressure stays too high even when an individual makes these kinds of healthy changes. In that case, it might be crucial to add medicine to help lower blood pressure. Medicines will manage your blood pressure but they cannot cure it.
Blood pressure medicines work in many diverse ways to lower blood pressure. Often, two or more drugs work better than one. Some drugs lower blood pressure by removing more fluid and salt from your body. Others have an effect on blood pressure by slowing down the heartbeat, or by calming and widening blood vessels.
High blood pressure medication
•Diuretics. These work by assisting your kidneys in flushing excess water and salt from your system. This results in a reduction in the amount of fluid in your blood, and therefore resulting in your blood pressure going down.
•Beta blockers assist your heart to beat slower and with less force. This results in your heart pumping less blood through the blood vessels, and results in your blood pressure going down.
•Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent your body from manufacturing a hormone called angiotensin II, which usually causes blood vessels to constrict. ACE inhibitors avert this constriction so your blood pressure goes down.
•Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBS) are more recent drugs that protect your blood vessels from angiotensin II. As an end result, the blood vessels relax and expand resulting in your blood pressure going down.
•Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels. These result in blood vessels relaxing, and your blood pressure going down.
•Alpha blockers decrease nerve impulses that constrict blood vessels, allowing blood to pass more effortlessly and cause blood pressure to go down.
•Alpha-beta blockers decrease nerve impulses to blood vessels the same way alpha blockers do, but they also slow the heartbeat, as beta blockers do. This results in blood pressure going down.
•Nervous system inhibitors loosen up blood vessels by controlling nerve impulses from the brain. Blood vessels to become wider and blood pressure to goes down.
•Vasodilators open blood vessels by relaxing the muscle in the vessel walls, resulting in blood pressure to going down.
Controlling high blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure, it is important that you:
•Keep track of your blood pressure. Learn to take your own blood pressure at home or have it regularly checked by a health care professional. Write it down each time (with date).
•Talk to your health care provider about the specific procedures in regards to taking your blood pressure medications.
•Discuss any noted side effects from taking your medicine with your physician.
•Maintain your blood pressure medicine prescription.
•Take medicines exactly as directed.
•Continue your progress by scheduling follow-up appointments with your physician or provider.
•Pursue healthier habits such as a healthy diet, consistent exercise, and the avoidance of tobacco products.
•Don’t be a passive recipient; take charge of your health by asking your physician questions about your treatment progress and goals to lower your high blood pressure.
What about a high blood pressure natural remedy?
Always consult your physician before undertaking any additional therapies. Many do not mention alternative treatments such as herbs for high blood pressure out of fear of judgment. From a logical perspective many of the so-called natural remedies are already on the list of your physician’s recommendation. Such things as garlic, fresh herbs, vitamins, fiber rich vegetables, and other supplements, and not so much of a treatment but examples of things one should already be including in a balanced diet. An individual who eats an increased amount of leafy green vegetables has little to concern themselves with regarding any possible negative reaction with prescribed medication.
Women and High Blood Pressure
Many women experiencing increases in blood pressure if they use birth control pills, become pregnant, or take hormone therapy during menopause.
High Blood pressure Pregnancy
Women with high blood pressure can have healthy babies. Nevertheless, high blood pressure can be dangerous for both mother and baby. For mothers high blood pressure can harm the kidneys and other organs, and it can cause low birth weight and early delivery.
As with any life or health impacting decision, consult your physician if you are seeking to become pregnant. There are many steps you can take to control your blood pressure during pregnancy. This coupled with prenatal care are vital for both mother and baby's health and well-being.
Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)
Women taking birth control pills often have a small increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Women taking birth control pills who have high blood pressure should be checked regularly and should discuss with their physician the possible rise in blood pressure and the options that exist.
A greater health risk exists if you have high blood pressure, are age 35 or older, and smoke. If these conditions describe you then you should not take birth control pills. Statistically women age 35 and older, smoke, and use birth control pills are more prone to developing heart disease or having a stroke. Again, high blood pressure also raises your chances of stroke and heart disease.
If you are age 35 or older, maintain a healthy lifestyle, do not smoke, and have taken steps to control your high blood pressure, birth control pills may be not be detrimental. As always, your physician should be consulted to determine what is safe for you.
Hormone Therapy for Menopause
Recent studies have noted no significant increase in blood pressure for women undergoing hormone therapy. However, some women may have an increase in blood pressure due to estrogen therapy.
If you are seeking Hormone Therapy, regular blood pressure checks are recommended.
Older Adults and High Blood Pressure
A frequent form of high blood pressure in older adults is isolated systolic hypertension (ISH).
ISH is high blood pressure, but only the top (systolic) number is high (140 or higher). ISH can be as detrimental as high blood pressure in which both numbers are high.
ISH is the most frequent form of high blood pressure for older Americans.
As with other types of high blood pressure, ISH often causes no symptoms. To find out if you have ISH have your blood pressure checked.
In Summary:
•An individual has high blood pressure if their top (systolic) blood pressure number is typically 140 or higher, or their bottom (diastolic) number is 90 or higher. Both numbers are of importance. Noted exception: If an individual has diabetes or chronic kidney disease, they can have high blood pressure if their top number is typically 130 or higher, or if their bottom number is 80 or higher.
•High blood pressure more often than not has no signs or symptoms.
•High blood pressure that remains uncontrolled is dangerous and can lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness.
•Blacks are more prone to having high blood pressure than whites.
•More than half of adults over 60 have high blood pressure.
•The form of high blood pressure that is most common in older adults is when only the systolic blood pressure number is 140 or higher.
•It is easy, quick, and convenient to regularly check your blood pressure.
•Tracking your blood pressure is vital to maintaining health and keeping it under control.
•Healthy lifestyle choices are key factors in preventing high blood pressure.
•A switch to healthy habits and medication are both methods used to treat individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure.
