High Blood Pressure/HypertensionNot what you're looking for? Show
What is high blood pressure?Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. The force is made with each heartbeat as blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels. This is called systolic blood pressure. Blood pressure is also affected by the size of the artery walls and their elasticity. Each time the heart beats (contracts and relaxes), pressure is created inside the arteries. When the heart is relaxed, the arteries stay at a lower resting tone to maintain some pressure in the artery. This is called diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is when the force of the blood is too high during heart contraction or relaxation within the arteries. The arteries may have an increased resistance against the flow of blood. This causes your heart to pump harder to circulate the blood. What causes high blood pressure?These factors may cause high blood pressure:
Who is at risk for high blood pressure?More than half of all adult Americans have high blood pressure. You are at risk for it if you:
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?High blood pressure often has no symptoms. But you can find out if your blood pressure is higher than normal by checking it yourself or by having it checked regularly by your healthcare provider. Very high blood pressure can cause symptoms. These include headache, changes in vision, or chest pain. How is high blood pressure diagnosed?Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope by a nurse or other healthcare provider. You can also take your own blood pressure with an electronic blood pressure monitor. You can find one at most pharmacies.
Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure:
Both the systolic and diastolic pressures are recorded as mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). This recording represents how high the mercury column in the blood pressure cuff is raised by the pressure of the blood. Blood pressure is rated as normal, elevated, or stage 1 or stage 2 high blood pressure:
Even higher blood pressure (with the systolic blood pressure 180 or higher, the diastolic blood pressure more than 120, or both) is called a hypertensive urgency if there are no related symptoms. Or it's called a hypertensive emergency if there are symptoms indicating damage to the brain, heart, or kidneys. If you have a hypertensive urgency, you may need a change in your medicine right away or be evaluated in an emergency room. If you have a hypertensive emergency, you will need to be evaluated in an emergency room; and likely have a stay in the hospital. A single higher blood pressure measurement does not always mean you have a problem. Your healthcare provider will want to see several blood pressure measurements over a number of days or weeks before diagnosing high blood pressure and starting treatment. Ask your provider when you should call if your blood pressure readings are not in the normal range. How is high blood pressure treated?Treatment for high blood pressure may involve: Lifestyle changesThese healthy steps can help you control your blood pressure:
Certain medicinesSometimes you may need to take 1 or more daily medicines to control high blood pressure. Take it exactly as directed. If you have high blood pressure, have your blood pressure checked routinely and see your healthcare provider to watch the condition. What are possible complications of high blood pressure?High blood pressure raises your risk for:
How do I prevent high blood pressure?You can help prevent high blood pressure with many of the same healthy steps used to treat it. These are:
Key points about high blood pressure
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? 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.
What does it mean if your bottom number is high on your blood pressure?If you have a blood pressure reading that is above 180 in the top number or above 120 in the bottom number, you may be having a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency. Blood pressure this high can damage your blood vessels and could lead to a stroke.
Whats more important top or bottom BP number?Q. When I am monitoring my blood pressure, which number is most important — top, bottom, or both? A. While both numbers in a blood pressure reading are essential for diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, doctors primarily focus on the top number, also known as systolic pressure.
Is 140 over 70 a good blood pressure?Normal: Less than 120/80. Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80. Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89.
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