Hypertension
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Management
Prevention
What to Expect
Living Well
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your artery walls as your heart pumps. It’s measured using two numbers: the top number (systolic) shows how hard your heart is working, and the bottom number (diastolic) shows the pressure when your heart relaxes. When either number is too high, the extra pressure strains your blood vessels, raises inflammation, and makes it harder for blood to move smoothly.
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Symptoms and Causes
High blood pressure affects your body in different ways, and understanding how it shows up—and what can raise your risk—can help you stay ahead of potential problems.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
The symptoms of high blood pressure aren’t always obvious. You may feel completely normal even when your blood pressure is too high, which is why hypertension is sometimes called a “silent” condition. The extra pressure builds slowly inside your blood vessels, and your body can get used to it, so symptoms aren’t always noticeable.
When your blood pressure gets very high, you might notice symptoms such as:
Headaches
Vision changes
Dizziness or feeling light-headed
Chest discomfort
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds (less common)
You may not notice these symptoms at all, and they can sometimes be related to other health conditions. If you do have these symptoms, they may be a sign to check your blood pressure or talk with your healthcare team.
Seek urgent medical care if you develop:
A severe headache
Trouble speaking or confusion
Sudden vision loss
Chest pain
Sudden shortness of breath
Weakness on one side of your body
These may be signs of a more serious problem related to high blood pressure.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can develop for different reasons. For many people, it happens gradually as the blood vessels become less flexible with age or from long-term stress on the vessel walls.
Some things can make it more likely for your blood pressure to rise, such as:
A family history of hypertension
Other health conditions that affect the heart, kidneys, or hormones
Certain medications (your healthcare team can tell you if this applies to you)
Smoking
Eating too much salt
Carrying extra weight
Low physical activity
Most people have more than one cause. High blood pressure can build without symptoms, so understanding your personal risks can help you and your healthcare team create the right plan.
Diagnosis and Tests
High blood pressure is diagnosed by checking your readings more than once and looking for patterns over time. Because your numbers can change throughout the day, your healthcare team uses repeated measurements to understand your true, everyday blood pressure.
How High Blood Pressure Is Diagnosed
Your blood pressure is measured with a cuff that gently tightens around your arm to check the pressure inside your arteries. Hypertension is usually confirmed when your readings are 140/90 mm Hg or higher on more than one visit. Your clinician may check your blood pressure over three or more appointments or ask you to monitor your numbers at home.
Some readings may need quicker follow-up. Blood pressure at or above 180/110 mm Hg may require urgent attention, depending on your symptoms and overall health.
Tests Used to Confirm Hypertension
Home blood pressure monitoring:
Your clinician may ask you to check your numbers at home. Hypertension is often diagnosed when home readings are 135/85 mm Hg or higher.
Repeated office measurements:
Your blood pressure may be checked across several visits to see whether your numbers stay high over time.
Out-of-office measurements:
These tests can help identify patterns such as white coat hypertension (high in the clinic but normal at home) or masked hypertension (normal in the clinic but high elsewhere).
These approaches give your healthcare team a clearer picture of your blood pressure and help guide the best plan to protect your heart and blood vessels.
Management
Managing high blood pressure helps protect your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and overall circulation. Treatment usually includes a mix of healthy habits, regular monitoring, and medications when needed.
Medications
Your clinician may prescribe medicines to help relax your blood vessels, lower the pressure inside them, or remove extra fluid from your body. These medications work in different ways. Your healthcare team will help you find the right type and dose for your needs.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Daily habits can make a meaningful difference in improving your blood pressure. Your care plan may include being physically active, reducing salt in your diet, eating more heart-healthy foods, limiting alcohol, stopping smoking if you smoke, and working toward a healthy weight. Your clinician can help you choose goals that feel realistic and manageable.
Monitoring Your Numbers
Checking your blood pressure at home or during clinic visits shows how well your treatment is working. Because your numbers may change over time, your plan might be adjusted to keep you in a safer range.
Managing Other Health Conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or kidney disease can make high blood pressure more difficult to control. Treating these conditions can support healthier blood pressure and lower your risk of complications.
Prevention
Healthy Eating Patterns
Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support healthy blood pressure. Reducing salt is especially important because sodium can make your body hold onto extra fluid, which increases pressure in your blood vessels.
Stay Physically Active
Regular movement helps your blood vessels stay flexible and supports smoother blood flow. Activity can be simple—walking, stretching, or light exercise all count.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Even modest weight loss can lower blood pressure and reduce strain on your heart. Your healthcare team can help you set goals that feel realistic and safe.
Limit Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Limiting alcohol—or avoiding it if you prefer—can help keep your numbers in a healthier range.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your blood pressure and overall vascular health. Your clinician can help you find tools or support that make quitting easier.
Manage Stress
Long-term stress can affect your blood pressure. Gentle strategies—like deep breathing, stretching, time outside, or talking with someone you trust—can help calm your body and support healthier numbers.
Regular Check-Ins
Keeping up with blood pressure checks helps you spot changes early. Regular visits with your healthcare team can help you stay on track and make adjustments as needed.
What to Expect
Understanding Your Numbers May Take Time
It’s normal for your blood pressure to change throughout the day. You may need several check-ins, or even home monitoring, before you and your clinician see a clear pattern. It can take time to understand what raises or lowers your numbers.
Your Treatment Plan May Change
Managing high blood pressure is not one-size-fits-all. Medications or doses may be adjusted, especially early on. Lifestyle changes may also shift based on what works best for you. These adjustments are a normal part of finding the right balance.
You Might Not Feel Different Even When Your Numbers Improve
Many people don’t feel physical changes when their blood pressure goes up or comes down. Feeling “normal” doesn’t always reflect what’s happening inside your blood vessels, which is why regular monitoring is important.
Follow-Up Visits Are a Routine Part of Care
Expect regular appointments so your healthcare team can check how your numbers are responding to treatment. These visits help make sure your plan is working and give you space to ask questions or talk about any concerns.
You May Need Long-Term Monitoring
High blood pressure often requires ongoing attention. Even if your numbers improve, you may still need periodic checks to make sure they stay in a healthy range and to adjust your treatment if needed.
Living Well
Building Healthy Daily Habits
Try to create routines that feel natural to your day—such as taking a short walk after meals, choosing heart-healthy snacks, or setting reminders to check your blood pressure at the same time each day. These small choices add up and help keep your numbers in a healthier range.
Making Lifestyle Changes Feel Doable
Changing long-standing habits can be challenging, so start with one or two realistic goals. You might focus on reducing salt at meals, adding a little movement to your day, or cutting back on alcohol. When changes feel manageable, you’re more likely to stick with them. Celebrate progress—even small steps matter.
Managing Stress Day-to-Day
Daily stress can affect your blood pressure. Simple strategies like deep breathing, stretching, spending time outdoors, or taking a short break when you feel overwhelmed can help calm your body. Finding routines that help you unwind can support healthier numbers and improve overall well-being.
Getting Support From Family or Friends
Loved ones can help you stay motivated, join you in healthy activities, or support changes you’re trying to make. Let them know what you’re working on and how they can help—small acts of support can make everyday habits easier.
What to Do if Your Numbers Rise Again
It’s normal for blood pressure to go up and down. If you notice higher readings, try not to panic. Recheck your numbers when you’re rested, seated comfortably, and calm. If the higher readings continue, reach out to your healthcare team. They may adjust your treatment plan or offer guidance on next steps. A temporary rise doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it simply means your plan may need a small adjustment.
Take Charge of Your Blood Pressure Today
You can make meaningful changes—one step at a time. Explore tools, support, and practical guidance to help you keep your blood pressure in a healthier range.