OverviewWhat is high blood pressure (hypertension)?Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure or force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. When you have hypertension (high blood pressure), it means the pressure against the blood vessel walls in your body is consistently too high. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because you may not be aware that anything is wrong, but the damage is still occurring within your body. Show
Your blood pressure reading has two numbers. The top number is the systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure on the blood vessel walls when your heart beats or contracts. The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure on your blood vessels between beats when your heart is relaxing. For example, a blood pressure of 110/70 is within the normal range, but a blood pressure of 135/85 is stage 1 (mild) hypertension, and so on (see table).
What are the types of high blood pressure?Your provider will diagnose you with one of two types of high blood pressure:
What can happen if high blood pressure is not treated?Untreated hypertension may lead to serious health problems including:
Can high blood pressure affect pregnancy?High blood pressure complicates about 10% of all pregnancies. There are several different types of high blood pressure during pregnancy and they range from mild to serious. The forms of high blood pressure during pregnancy include: Chronic hypertension: High blood pressure which is present before pregnancy. Gestational hypertension: High blood pressure in the latter part of pregnancy. Preeclampsia: This is a dangerous condition that typically develops in the latter half of pregnancy and results in hypertension, protein in the urine and generalized swelling in the pregnant person. It can affect other organs in the body and cause seizures (eclampsia). Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia: Pregnant people who have chronic hypertension are at increased risk for developing preeclampsia. Your provider will check your blood pressure regularly during prenatal appointments, but if you have concerns about your blood pressure, be sure to talk with your provider. How do I know if I have high blood pressure?High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause symptoms. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your provider measure it. Know your numbers so you can make the changes that help prevent or limit damage. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the risk factors for high blood pressure?You are more likely to have high blood pressure if you:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is high blood pressure diagnosed?Since high blood pressure doesn’t have symptoms, your healthcare provider will need to check your blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff. Providers usually check your blood pressure at every annual checkup or appointment. If you have high blood pressure readings at two appointments or more, your provider may tell you that you have high blood pressure. What tests will be done to diagnose this condition?Providers use a blood pressure cuff to measure your blood pressure. Management and TreatmentWhat should I do if I have high blood pressure?If your healthcare provider has diagnosed you with high blood pressure, they will talk with you about your recommended blood pressure target or goal. They may suggest that you:
What diet helps control high blood pressure?
What medications are used to treat high blood pressure?Four classes of high blood pressure medications are considered “first line” (most effective and commonly prescribed) when starting treatment. Sometimes other medications are coupled with these first-line drugs to better control your high blood pressure. First-line, pressure-lowering medications are:
Talk to your healthcare provider about what side effects and problems are possible when you take your blood pressure medicine. You should avoid some medications during pregnancy. If you get side effects that concern you, call your provider. They may change your dose or try a different medication. Don’t stop taking the medicine on your own. PreventionCan I prevent high blood pressure?There are certain things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. These include eating right, getting the right amount of exercise and controlling salt intake. How can you reduce your risk of high blood pressure?Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. These include the following:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have this condition?Since high blood pressure doesn’t cause many symptoms at first, you probably won’t feel any different with a high blood pressure diagnosis. But it’s important to follow your provider’s instructions to bring your blood pressure down so it doesn’t cause serious illnesses later in life. How long does high blood pressure last?If you have primary high blood pressure, you’ll need to control it for the rest of your life. If you have secondary high blood pressure, your blood pressure will most likely come down after you receive treatment for the medical problem that caused it. If a medication caused your high blood pressure, switching to a different medicine may lower your blood pressure. What is the outlook for high blood pressure?You can get seriously ill if you don’t treat your high blood pressure. However, if you take the medicines your provider ordered, you can control your blood pressure. Exercising and eating healthy foods also helps lower your blood pressure. Living WithHow can I be more active?
What if lifestyle changes don’t help lower my blood pressure?If diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes don’t work to lower your blood pressure, your healthcare provider will prescribe medications to help lower your blood pressure. Your provider will take into account other conditions you may have, such as heart or kidney disease and other drugs you’re taking when prescribing medications to treat your high blood pressure. Be sure to follow your provider’s dosing directions exactly. What questions should I ask my provider?
A note from Cleveland Clinic If you don’t treat high blood pressure, it can put you at risk for developing serious illnesses later in life such as heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. But if you follow your provider’s instructions, you can control your blood pressure. Be sure to take any medicines your provider ordered as instructed. Keep taking them even if your blood pressure numbers begin to fall into the normal range. Living a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods, watching your weight and getting regular exercise is also a great way to help control your blood pressure. When should you worry about the bottom number of blood pressure?Over time, isolated diastolic hypotension can cause heart failure. In fact, it may be one of the most common causes of heart failure. Pay attention to your diastolic number when you have your blood pressure checked. If your lower number is 60 or below, ask a healthcare professional about it.
Why would the bottom number of blood pressure be high?Diastolic pressure is the bottom number of a blood pressure reading. IDH occurs if someone has elevated diastolic blood pressure, increasing a person's risk of heart disease and stroke. Smoking, consuming alcohol, obesity, and high blood fat may lead to IDH.
Which is more important systolic or diastolic blood pressure?Over the years, research has found that both numbers are equally important in monitoring heart health. However, most studies show a greater risk of stroke and heart disease related to higher systolic pressures compared with elevated diastolic pressures.
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