High Blood Pressure
What is Hypertension or High Blood Pressure?
When your heart pumps blood, the force of the blood flow against the artery walls is called blood pressure. If this force is too high, it can lead to heart disease and other health problems. High blood pressure is very common, and it may develop gradually, or it may be caused by an underlying condition such as kidney problems, tumors or medications. If untreated, high blood pressure can lead to:
Heart failure
Heart attack
Stroke
Aneurysm (a bulge in weakened blood vessels that may rupture and become life-threatening.)
Vision loss (caused by narrowed blood vessels in the eyes) Difficulty with memory
Kidney failure
Blood Pressure Readings: What is the normal range?
When your blood pressure is evaluated, it is usually expressed as a range of two numbers, described as one being over the other (such as “120 over 70”). These BP numbers provide vital information that can help your doctor determine your course of treatment.
Top Blood Pressure Number
The top number is called the systolic blood pressure. It measures the force of the blood through the arteries when the heart beats. A normal systolic blood pressure is below 120. If this number is between 120 to 139, it can indicate borderline high blood pressure (called prehypertension.) When the number is 140 or higher, it is considered high blood pressure or hypertension.
Lower Blood Pressure Number
The lower number is called diastolic blood pressure. This measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. A normal diastolic pressure is less than 80. If it is between 80 and 89, it could indicate borderline high blood pressure, while a reading of 90 or higher is considered to be high blood pressure.
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Risk Factors
High blood pressure is very common, and the risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you age. Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure in middle age, while women are more likely to develop it after menopause. It is also more common among African-Americans and those who have a family history of high blood pressure. Recent studies show that when blood pressure problems are treated sooner, the chances of developing problems drops significantly.
Being overweight or obese
Using tobacco (smoking or chewing)
Drinking too much alcohol
Not having enough potassium and vitamin D in your diet
Lack of exercise
Stress
Symptoms of Hypertension
There may be none. In fact, most people with high blood pressure show few, if any signs or symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur— such as dizzy spells, dull headaches or frequent nosebleeds— it is usually after blood pressure has reached a life-threatening level.
Because hypertension can be a silent killer, it is important to have your blood pressure taken regularly as a part of a routine doctor’s appointment. If you do not have a regular physician, we will be happy to schedule an appointment for a physical.
How to Lower High Blood Pressure
There is no “one size fits all” treatment for high blood pressure, which is why it is important to have regular physicals and communicate with your physician. Your treatment may depend upon what is causing your high blood pressure, the stage of your high blood pressure, and whether or not you have other medical problems at the time of diagnosis. Our physicians can customize an individual treatment plan for you that may include dietary changes, medication and lifestyle changes.
Read more Articles about High Blood Pressure or Heart Disease
What Patients Say
Dr. Sachdeva is the most caring Doctor I have seen. She is amazing and provides good feedback on keeping the good balance between tablets, exercise and monitoring. She stresses on wellness rather than illness. She is very courteous and professional.
I have been of patient of the North Raleigh Medical Center for almost 15 years. The staff always has been welcoming and accommodating. I enjoy the convenience of the walk-in clinic for my family’s needs. All the providers give comprehensive yet compassionate care.