High blood pressure is incredibly common. About half of U.S. adults (47%) have high blood pressure. This puts them at risk for severe conditions like stroke or heart attack.
In most cases, the condition has no symptoms. So how can you know if you have high blood pressure? The only way to know is to have it checked. Your doctor can estimate your blood pressure with a cuff and a stethoscope, or with a digital monitor.
If you have high blood pressure, you may need medication, a change in your diet, or to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The upper number is the systolic pressure, which is the pressure when your heart is beating. The lower number is the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when your heart is at rest. The numbers are written as a ratio, with the systolic number on top and the diastolic number on the bottom.
For example, if your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, then the top number is 120 and the bottom number is 80. This is written as 120 over 80, or 120/80. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure is consistently above 120/80 mmHg, you have high blood pressure.
What causes high blood pressure?
The most common cause of high blood pressure is unknown. This is called essential hypertension. Other causes of high blood pressure include:
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Thyroid problems
- Certain blood disorders
- Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, and some decongestants
- Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is treated with lifestyle changes and medication.
Lifestyle changes
If your blood pressure is only slightly high, lifestyle changes may be enough to lower it. These changes include:
- Eating a healthy diet.
- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure. A diet high in salt can raise your blood pressure. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure.
- A diet high in salt can raise your blood pressure. Exercise. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure by about 5 to 10 mmHg.
- Regular exercise can lower blood pressure by about 5 to 10 mmHg.
- Reducing stress. Stress can raise blood pressure. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help reduce stress.
- Reducing alcohol intake. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that men have no more than two drinks a day, and women have no more than one drink a day. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.
- Quitting smoking. Cigarette smoking can raise blood pressure. Cigarette smoking can raise blood pressure.
- Losing weight. If you are overweight, losing even 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure. If you are overweight, losing even 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure.
- Getting enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can raise blood pressure.
- Medication If lifestyle changes don't lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication. The most common types of blood pressure medication are: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These drugs widen blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. Examples include lisinopril (Zestril), enalapril (Vasotec), and ramipril (Altace).
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommend that people with high blood pressure start with lifestyle changes and medication. If these don't work, people with high blood pressure can add other medications.
What are the complications of high blood pressure?
Untreated high blood pressure can cause severe complications, including:
- Heart attack Heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision problems
- Aneurysm
Can high blood pressure be prevented?
High blood pressure can't be prevented. However, you can lower your risk for developing high blood pressure by:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing stress
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Quitting smoking
- Losing weight
- Getting enough sleep
High blood pressure can't be cured, but it can be controlled. If you have high blood pressure, it's important to take steps to lower your blood pressure. This can help you avoid severe complications, such as heart attack and stroke.
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