High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people across the globe. It’s a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other heart complications. Understanding its causes, symptoms and strategies to effectively manage high blood pressure is key to maintaining optimal heart health.
Let’s explore high blood pressure in detail so you can be more equipped to take proactive steps towards its management while living your best life. Your heart will thank you.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure levels. It occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high, which puts unneeded strain on your cardiovascular system.
Here are some key points to know about high blood pressure:
A normal blood pressure range is typically defined as below 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is defined as:
- Stage 1: Blood pressure ranging from 130-139/80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2: Blood pressure equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg
Primary and Secondary Hypertension:
- Primary hypertension refers to high blood pressure without a specific underlying cause
- Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying health condition, such as kidney disease or a hormonal disorder
High Blood Pressure Causes and Risk Factors
Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with high blood pressure can help identify potential preventive measures. Here are some common factors:
Lifestyle:
- Unhealthy eating habits, excessive salt intake, physical inactivity and obesity can contribute to the development of high blood pressure
- Adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure
Genetics and Family History:
- Family history of high blood pressure increases the likelihood of developing it yourself
- Genetic factors can influence blood pressure regulation and sensitivity to environmental factors
Age and Gender:
- High blood pressure becomes more prevalent as people age
- Men are generally at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure at an earlier age
- The risk for women tends to increase after menopause
Recognizing High Blood Pressure: Common Symptoms
High blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms. However, in some cases, patients might experience the following signs:
Headaches:
- Some people with high blood pressure experience persistent headaches, especially in the morning
Shortness of Breath:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can occur in severe cases of high blood pressure, especially during physical exertion
Nosebleeds:
- While not a common symptom, unexplained nosebleeds can sometimes be associated with high blood pressure
6 High Blood Pressure Guidelines for Better Health
Effective blood pressure management involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and sometimes medication. In August 2025, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology updated their existing guidelines to help people with high blood pressure effectively manage their condition. Here are some specific points from the latest update to help you lower your numbers:
- Abstain from alcohol: Consuming alcoholic beverages can increase blood pressure over time. Experts recommend abstaining or, at the very least, limiting yourself to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
- Adjust your diet: In addition to lowering your sodium level, experts continue to advise maintaining a diet heavy on fresh produce, while grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Keep stress in check: Exercise, deep breathing, prayer and meditation can all help relieve stress. Aim to achieve at least 75-110 minutes of exercise each week.
- Lower your salt intake further: Experts say people with high blood pressure should limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, with an overall goal of no more than 1500 mg per day.
- Reduce body weight, if needed: The updated guidelines recommend that adults who are overweight or have obesity lose at least 5% of their body weight.
- Start blood pressure medications sooner: If lifestyle changes alone aren’t bring down your blood pressure within three to six months, talk to your doctor about starting blood pressure medications.
Ways High Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Health
Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but when it’s left untreated, it can cause other health concerns, including:
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Cognitive decline and dementia
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Kidney disease or failure
- Preeclampsia during pregnancy
- Sexual dysfunction
- Stroke
- Vision loss
If you have high blood pressure, managing it effectively is essential to minimize any lasting damage that may occur.
Expert Heart Care at AdventHealth
If you have concerns about high blood pressure or need expert guidance for its management, AdventHealth is here to help. Our compassionate experienced health care professionals offer comprehensive care and support for your heart health.
Visit our website to learn more about our cardiology services and schedule an appointment with our specialists.
