High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: the top number (systolic) shows the pressure when the heart beats, and the bottom number (diastolic) shows the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. High blood pressure can be caused by factors like an unhealthy diet, too much salt, being overweight, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, family history and aging. The good news is that it can often be controlled or prevented by eating healthy food, exercising regularly, reducing salt, managing stress, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and taking medicines if advised by a doctor.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects the arteries in the body. It occurs when the force of blood pushing against the artery walls stays consistently too high, making the heart work harder than normal to pump blood throughout the body.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), and in general, a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is considered hypertension.

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association classify blood pressure into four main categories, with ideal blood pressure falling under the “normal” range.

• Normal blood pressure: A reading below 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal.
• Elevated blood pressure: The top number (systolic) is between 120 and 129 mm Hg, while the bottom number (diastolic) remains below 80 mm Hg.
• Stage 1 hypertension: The systolic number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg, or the diastolic number falls between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
• Stage 2 hypertension: The systolic number is 140 mm Hg or higher, or the diastolic number is 90 mm Hg or higher.

A blood pressure reading above 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis and requires immediate medical attention. Anyone with these numbers should seek emergency care right away.

If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Adults should get their blood pressure checked at least once every two years starting at age 18, although some people may need more frequent monitoring depending on their health.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet can help prevent and manage high blood pressure. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe medication to keep blood pressure under control.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often does not cause clear symptoms which is why it is commonly called a “silent” condition. Many people may have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. However, when blood pressure becomes very high or reaches a dangerous level, some symptoms may appear.

Possible symptoms of severely high blood pressure include:

• Severe headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Blurred or changes in vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Nosebleeds

If someone experiences symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, difficulty breathing, or vision problems along with very high blood pressure readings (especially above 180/120 mm Hg), it may be a medical emergency, and immediate medical help should be sought.

Because high blood pressure usually has no noticeable symptoms, regular blood pressure checks are very important for early detection and prevention of complications.

High Blood Pressure Causes

Healthcare providers often cannot identify one single cause of hypertension for most people. Instead, several factors may combine to increase blood pressure. These include:

• Being over age 55
• Having a family history of high blood pressure
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating foods high in sodium (salt)
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

In some cases, doctors can find a specific cause of high blood pressure, such as an underlying medical condition, certain medications, or substance use. Examples include:

• Medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, renal artery stenosis, primary aldosteronism, and thyroid disorders
• Medications used to treat ADHD, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and mental health conditions
• Addictive substances, including alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine

Complications

If high blood pressure is not treated, it can damage your arteries and make your heart work too hard. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems, including:

• AFib: An irregular and chaotic heart rhythm that affects how well the heart pumps blood
• Chronic kidney disease: Gradual loss of kidney function over time
• Cognitive impairment and dementia: Problems with memory, thinking and behavior
• Coronary artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart
• Heart attack: A sudden blockage that stops blood flow to the heart
• Heart failure: A long-term condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively
• Hypertensive retinopathy: Eye damage caused by high blood pressure that may result in vision loss
• Peripheral artery disease: Narrowed or blocked arteries in the arms or legs
• Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
• Stroke: A sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain that can cause lasting brain damage

High Blood Pressure Treated

Treatment for high blood pressure includes medicines and healthy lifestyle changes. Doctors may prescribe medicines to help lower blood pressure, such as diuretics (water pills), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs. These medicines work in different ways to relax blood vessels, remove extra fluid or help the heart pump more easily. Along with medication, making daily habit changes like eating healthy, reducing salt, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can also help control blood pressure. Your doctor will choose the best treatment plan based on your blood pressure levels, the cause of your condition, and any other health problems you may have.

Changes you can make to help lower your blood pressure include:

• Maintain a healthy weight - Your healthcare provider can help you set a target weight range that is right for you.
• Eat healthy foods - Follow balanced eating plans such as the DASH diet or the Mediterranean diet. These include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, while being low in salt (sodium) and cholesterol.
• Reduce sodium intake - Try to limit sodium to no more than 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day. If that feels difficult, begin by cutting at least 1,000 mg from your usual daily intake.
• Increase potassium intake - Aim for 3,500 to 5,000 mg of potassium per day, preferably from food rather than supplements. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, avocados, and potatoes with the skin.
• Stay physically active - Ask your healthcare provider what type of exercise is safe for you. In general, aim for up to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, and include strength training exercises for overall heart and body health.
• Quit smoking - Stopping smoking can lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Your provider can help you create a quitting plan, which may include support groups, nicotine replacement therapy, or prescription medications.
• Limit alcohol consumption - If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Drinking less is even better for your blood pressure and overall health.

Conclusion

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common but serious health problem that often does not show clear symptoms, which is why regular checkups are very important. It can happen due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, family history, aging, or certain medical conditions. If it is not treated, high blood pressure can cause serious problems like heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and vision loss. The good news is that it can be controlled and even prevented by making healthy changes such as eating a balanced diet, reducing salt, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress. Some people may also need medicines to keep their blood pressure at a healthy level. With early detection and proper care, people can lower their risk of complications and live a longer, healthier life.

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