What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure—also called hypertension—is a common medical condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this can damage blood vessels and increase your risk for serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.
Blood Pressure Readings:
Blood pressure is measured in mm Hg and written as two numbers:
- Systolic (top number): Pressure when your heart beats
- Diastolic (bottom number): Pressure when your heart rests between beats
Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
Normal | <120 | <80 |
Elevated | 120–129 | <80 |
Stage 1 Hypertension | 130–139 | 80–89 |
Stage 2 Hypertension | ≥140 | ≥90 |
Hypertensive Crisis | >180 | >120 (requires emergency care) |
Why Is It Dangerous?
High blood pressure puts extra strain on:
- Arteries (leading to narrowing and hardening)
- Heart (causing enlargement, failure)
- Kidneys (eventually causing failure)
- Brain (risk of stroke or dementia)
- Eyes (retinal damage, vision loss)
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
There are two main types:
1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension
- Most common type (~90–95%)
- Develops gradually over time
- Causes are not always clear, but risk factors include:
- Genetics / family history
- Aging
- Unhealthy lifestyle (see below)
2. Secondary Hypertension
- Caused by an underlying condition or drug
- Can appear suddenly and cause higher spikes
Common secondary causes:
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Hormonal disorders (e.g., Cushing’s, pheochromocytoma)
- Certain medications (NSAIDs, birth control pills, steroids, decongestants)
- Illegal drugs (cocaine, amphetamines)
Risk Factors You Can’t Control
- Age: Risk increases with age
- Family history of hypertension
- Race: African Americans have higher risk and earlier onset
- Gender: Men more likely before age 65; after 65, women are more affected
Risk Factors You Can Control
Risk Factor | How It Raises BP |
High salt intake | Causes fluid retention, raises blood volume |
Lack of exercise | Weakens heart and vessels |
Obesity | Increases vascular resistance |
Smoking | Damages blood vessels and stiffens arteries |
Alcohol | Excess intake raises BP |
Stress | Triggers short-term spikes and unhealthy habits |
Poor diet | Low potassium, high sodium, and processed foods increase risk |
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Blood Pressure
- Eat DASH diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low salt)
- Exercise regularly (150 min/week moderate intensity)
- Limit sodium (<1,500–2,300 mg/day)
- Manage stress (meditation, yoga, therapy)
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol (max 1 drink/day for women, 2 for men)
- Maintain a healthy weight
