What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. It is influenced by how much blood the heart pumps and how narrow the arteries are. When the heart pumps more blood than usual or the arteries become narrower, blood pressure rises. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, including heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke.

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There are two main types of high blood pressure:

  • Primary hypertension develops gradually over time without a known cause.
  • Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition or the use of certain medications.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Most people with high blood pressure experience no noticeable symptoms. It often develops silently over many years. In some cases, when blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels, it may cause symptoms such as:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nosebleeds

Causes of High Blood Pressure

The cause of primary hypertension is often unknown. However, secondary hypertension can be linked to specific conditions or substances, including:

  • Kidney disease
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Congenital blood vessel defects
  • Birth control pills
  • Decongestants
  • Certain prescription drugs
  • Obesity
  • Excessive alcohol or drug use

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

Several factors can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, such as:

  • Family history of hypertension
  • African-American ethnicity
  • Advancing age
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • High salt (sodium) intake
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Physical inactivity
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Chronic health conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, hormone disorders, and high cholesterol

Blood Pressure Diagnosis and Measurement

Blood pressure is typically checked during routine medical exams using a cuff that wraps around the upper arm. The reading consists of two numbers:

  • Systolic pressure (the top number): Pressure when the heart beats
  • Diastolic pressure (the bottom number): Pressure when the heart rests

A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered high.

High Blood Pressure Treatment

Treatment for high blood pressure often starts with lifestyle changes, including:

  • Weight loss
  • A heart-healthy diet low in salt and saturated fat
  • Reducing alcohol intake
  • Regular physical activity
  • Quitting smoking

If lifestyle modifications aren’t enough, medications may be prescribed, such as:

  • Alpha blockers
  • Vasodilators
  • Aldosterone antagonists
  • Central-acting agents

Addressing underlying medical conditions can also help manage hypertension.

Complications of High Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to severe complications, including:

  • Heart failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Aneurysm

Managing blood pressure effectively is crucial to lowering the risk of these potentially life-threatening outcomes.