High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a health condition that affects nearly half of adults in the United States, but many people are unaware that they have it. This is because high blood pressure doesn’t typically present symptoms until it leads to serious health problems. Commonly referred to as “the silent killer,” hypertension can increase your risk for heart disease or stroke. Being informed about high blood pressure, its dangers, and management strategies can help protect your long-term health.

What Does it Mean to Have High Blood Pressure?

When a medical provider takes your blood pressure, they’re measuring the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls. Over time, consistently high pressure can damage your heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. It’s called the “silent killer” because you can feel perfectly fine while it’s causing harm.

When left undiagnosed and untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and even vision loss. Luckily, it’s usually manageable with lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.

High Blood Pressure Check WFMC

Understanding the Numbers

Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers (i.e., 120/80 mmHg). The top number is your systolic pressure, which measures the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure at rest between beats.

According to most guidelines:

  • Normal: Below 120/80
  • Elevated: 120–129 / below 80
  • High blood pressure (stage 1): 130–139 / 80–89
  • High blood pressure (stage 2): 140 or higher / 90 or higher

Only a blood pressure reading from your provider or home monitor can confirm where you stand. If you’re experiencing a blood pressure reading of over 180/120, you may be experiencing a hypertensive crisis and should contact emergency medical services immediately.

Risk Factors You Can and Can’t Control

Some hypertension risk factors are outside your control. These include your age, family history, and certain medical conditions.

Other risk factors, like the following, you have some influence over:

  • Diet high in salt or processed foods
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol use
  • Chronic stress
  • Being overweight

Steps to Lower Your Risk

If your blood pressure is high or trending upward, lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

  • Eat a balanced diet: Focus on vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limiting salt can also reduce your blood pressure.
  • Stay active: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Even slight weight loss can help lower blood pressure.
  • Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake: Both can lead to raised blood pressure and heart problems.
  • Manage stress: Deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise can help keep stress in check.

The Importance of Regular Checks

Because high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, regular monitoring is important. Your provider may recommend checking your blood pressure at home in addition to office visits. Keeping a record of your readings can track your numbers and provide additional context for treatment decisions.

High blood pressure is serious, but it’s also one of the most manageable health issues. Taking action now can put you in better control of your heart health for the future. 

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.