High blood pressure is
abnormally
high blood pressure with no known cause. Blood pressure measurements are read as two numbers:
Systolic pressure: higher number, normal reading is 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or less
Diastolic pressure: lower number, normal reading is 80 mmHg or less
High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure greater than 140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg. You are considered
prehypertensive
if your systolic blood pressure is between 120-139 mmHg, or your diastolic pressure is between 80- 89 mmHg. Your doctor will recommend monitoring and lifestyle changes.
High blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, this condition can damage these organs and tissues.
High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms. But, the condition can still damage your organs and tissues.
Occasionally, if blood pressure reaches extreme levels, you may have the following:
Headache
Blurry or double vision
Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Diagnosis
High blood pressure is often diagnosed during a doctor's visit.
Blood pressure
is measured using an arm cuff and a special device. If your reading is high, you'll come back for repeat checks. If you have two or more visits with readings over 140/90 mmHG, you will be diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Your doctor will order
tests to make sure your high blood pressure is not caused by another condition. You will also be tested to see if the high blood pressure has cause any problems.
Tests include:
Blood tests
Urine tests
Chest x-rays
—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)
—a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
Eat a
healthful diet
, one that is low-fat, low-salt, and rich in
fiber
, fruits, and vegetables. Your doctor may recommend the
DASH diet
, which is designed to reduce blood pressure.
Drink alcohol in moderation (no more than two drinks per day for men, one drink per day for women).
Chobanian AV. Clinical practice. Isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly.
N Engl J Med.
2007;357:789-796.
Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et al. The seventh report of the Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure. The JNC 7 report.
JAMA
. 2003;289:2560-2572.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
