High Blood Pressure

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this pressure can damage blood vessels and lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and written as two numbers: systolic (top number) over diastolic (bottom number).

Who Is Affected?

High blood pressure affects nearly half of adults in the U.S., and many don’t even know they have it. It can develop at any age but is most common in people over 40. It often develops gradually over years and is sometimes called the "silent killer" because it may not show symptoms until damage has occurred.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension can be primary (essential), with no clear cause, or secondary, resulting from an underlying condition like kidney disease or hormone disorders. Most cases are primary.

Risk Factors

Not Controllable

• Age: Risk increases as you get older.
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Race: More common and severe in African American adults
• Chronic conditions such as kidney disease or sleep apnea
  
  

Controllable

• High salt (sodium) intake
• Lack of physical activity
• Excess weight or obesity
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Poor diet
• Stress
  
  

Who Is Most at Risk?

You’re at higher risk if you:

• Are over 45
• Have a sedentary lifestyle
• Eat a high-sodium, low-potassium diet
• Smoke or drink heavily
• Have diabetes or high cholesterol
  
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

• Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)
• Eat a heart-healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in sodium)
• Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco
• Manage stress 
• Take medications as prescribed

Common Signs and Symptoms

Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, even when levels are dangerously high. However, some may experience:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Vision changes
• Chest pain
  
  

These symptoms typically occur only in severe or hypertensive crisis cases.

Unique Symptoms by Group

• Women may experience fatigue, anxiety, or swelling during pregnancy (a sign of preeclampsia).
• Men may experience erectile dysfunction as a result of long-term hypertension.
• Children and teens may develop high blood pressure due to obesity [LINK to obesity condition page] or underlying health conditions.

How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?

Treatment focuses on lowering blood pressure to prevent complications and protect organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys.

Lifestyle Changes

• Reduce sodium intake
• Increase physical activity
• Eat more potassium-rich foods
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
  
  

Medical

• Common medications include:
• Diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers)
• Your provider may start with one medication or a combination based on your health.
  
  

Devices

• Home blood pressure monitors to track readings
• Fitness trackers to support activity and weight loss
  
  

Surgical

Surgery is not typically needed unless hypertension is caused by an underlying structural issue, such as a narrowed artery.

When to Seek Care

Signs to Watch For

• Persistent blood pressure readings above 130/80 mm Hg
• Symptoms like chest pain, confusion, blurred vision, or shortness of breath
  
  

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

• Blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hg
• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe headache
• Sudden vision loss
• Difficulty speaking or weakness on one side (possible stroke)
  
  

What Should You Do Next?

• Get your blood pressure checked regularly, even if you feel fine.
• If diagnosed, follow your treatment plan, take medications as prescribed, and attend all follow-up visits.
• Adopt heart-healthy lifestyle habits—small changes make a big impact.
• Monitor your blood pressure at home if recommended by your provider.
• Educate yourself and your family—early action saves lives.