High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (HBP) is when blood moves through the arteries at a higher pressure than normal. The heart strains to pump blood through the arteries.
Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff placed on the arm. The first (higher) number measures systolic pressure. This is the maximum pressure against the artery walls while the heart beats. The second (lower) number measures diastolic pressure. This is the pressure between heartbeats, when the heart refills. The results are given as systolic/diastolic pressure, such as 120/80 mm Hg.

For persons with HBP, blood pressure goal is <140/90 mm Hg. For persons with diabetes or kidney disease, the goal is <130/80 mm Hg.

Signs & Symptoms

There are usually no signs or symptoms. So, get your blood pressure checked at each office visit, at least every 2 years, or as advised.
 

Causes

The exact cause is not known. Risk factors include:

  • Family history of HBP.

  • Aging.

  • Smoking cigarettes.

  • Race. HBP is more common in African Americans than in Caucasians.

  • Gender. HBP is more common in men than in women.

  • Being inactive. Obesity. Sleep apnea.

  • Emotional distress.

  • Too much sodium intake in some persons.

Treatment

When self-care measures are not enough, one or more medicines may be prescribed. If it is not treated, HBP can lead to heart, kidney, eye problems, and stroke.

 
Questions to Ask

Does a person with high blood pressure have any of these problems?

• Severe headache.

• Palpitations.

• Feeling dizzy.

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

• Confusion.

Do medicine(s) for high blood pressure make you dizzy or cause other problems?

Do you have any risk factor for high blood pressure and have you not had your blood pressure checked within 2 years?

 
Self-Care / Prevention

To Help Prevent High Blood Pressure

  • Get to and/or stay at a healthy weight.

  • Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

  • Limit alcohol to 2 drinks or less a day for males; 1 drink or less a day for females and persons age 65 and older.

  • Increase physical activity. Get regular exercise.

  • Manage stress.

  • Follow the DASH Eating Plan.

  • Limit total sodium from table salt and salt and sodium in foods. Try to get no more than 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams per day.  This is the amount in about 2/3 rds to 1 teaspoon of salt. Read food labels for sodium content.

To Treat High Blood Pressure

  • Follow tips to prevent HBP.

  • Take medicine as prescribed. Tell your doctor about side effects. Are you dizzy? Do you  feel faint? Do you have a dry cough without  a cold?

  • Don’t eat black licorice. It causes your body to retain sodium and lose potassium.

  • Limit caffeine.

  • Discuss all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines with your doctor before you take them. Find out about drug and food interactions, too. Ask if you can drink grapefruit juice while taking your high blood pressure medicines. Your pharmacist can answer questions, too.

  • Check your blood pressure at home as advised by your doctor.

 
 
 
For more information, contact:
The American Heart Association
800.242.8721
www.americanheart.org
 
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
 
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American Institute for Preventive Medicine, Copyright 2005