What is High Blood Pressure?
Chronic high blood pressure, also called “hypertension,” is when you have blood pressures that are consistently above normal. High blood pressure, left uncontrolled, eventually causes damage to your heart and arteries and to the rest of your body. It can lead to strokes, heart failure, heart attack, and kidney disease, among other complications. Even if you don’t feel ill, high blood pressure still needs to be monitored and treated, because the damage can build up over time without any sign.
When you get your blood pressure taken at a primary care visit, your provider will tell you if it is high, and what your target pressure should be, as it can be different based on your age and other medical conditions. Generally, if you have hypertension, you want your blood pressure at home to at least be below 140/90. That means your systolic pressure should be below 140, and your diastolic pressure should be below 90.
The American Heart Association divides blood pressure into four general categories (plus one more for hypertensive crises), which you can use to help you understand your doctor's recommendations:
- Normal blood pressure. Blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
- Elevated blood pressure. The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the bottom number is below, not above, 80 mm Hg.
- Stage 1 hypertension. The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 hypertension. The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.
- Hypertensive crisis. The top number is higher than 180 mm Hg or the bottom number is higher than 120 mm Hg.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Many people don't notice signs of high blood pressure until they have a major health event, like a heart attack or stroke. That's why it is very important to see a doctor regularly (at least once a year) and check your blood pressure often if you are at risk. It's also important to know the symptoms of high blood pressure so you can schedule with your doctor or see immediate care if you are experiencing a hypertensive crisis. Some symptoms of very high blood pressure include:
- severe headaches
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- anxiety
- confusion
- nosebleeds
- buzzing in the ears
- abnormal heart rhythm
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
If you have any of the following risk factors, you should consider regular check-up on your blood pressure and consulting with a doctor to make sure your blood pressure stays at a healthy level to prevent heart disease, stroke, or heart attack:
- overweight or obese
- diabetes
- unhealthy diet (lots of salt, saturated or trans fats, or low intake of fruits and vegetables)
- low physical activity
- consumption of tobacco or alcohol
- kidney disease
- family history of high blood pressure or hypertension
Your risk of high blood pressure also increases as you age. Black people also tend to develop high blood pressure more often and at an earlier age compared to others.
Managing High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of many risk factors for heart disease. You can lower your blood pressure by:
- Getting about 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week
- Quitting smoking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Losing weight or staying at a healthy weight
- Managing your stress
- Taking any blood pressure medications as your healthcare provider prescribes them
Community Resources
Your first stop for managing your blood pressure is your primary care or family doctor. They can check your blood pressure, diagnose your condition, and prescribe medications to help manage your hypertension if you have it. They can also explain any lifestyle changes you need to make to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, and refer you to local resources or other local specialists for more education, more intensive management, or help with nutrition and securing healthy food. Call 907-455-4567 to schedule with a family doctor and get started on high blood pressure screening, prevention, and management.
You can also check your blood pressure kiosks provided at many local pharmacies, or buy a blood pressure cuff at a pharmacy or even in the medical aisle of your local store. This can be a good place to get started with understanding your blood pressure, especially if you get very stressed about going to doctor's appointments and think your blood pressure might be higher just from walking in the door.
If you’re an Alaskan looking for a way to make significant lifestyle changes to better manage your high blood pressure and you don’t know where to start, reach out to the Fresh Start program at freshstart.alaska.gov. They can provide eligible Alaskans with a free health coach, a certified blood pressure specialist, a personalized plan for managing your blood pressure, and even free blood pressure cuffs.
Questions? Call 907-455-4567 to make an appointment with a health care provider today!
