Definition
High blood pressure is abnormally high blood pressure with no known cause. Blood pressure measurements are read as two numbers. The higher number is called the systolic pressure. The lower number is called the diastolic pressure. Normal systolic pressure is 120 or less, and normal diastolic blood pressure is 80 or less.
High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure greater than 140 and/or diastolic pressure greater than 90. People with systolic blood pressures between 120 and 139, or diastolic pressures of 80 to 89, are considered prehypertensive and need medical monitoring and lifestyle changes.
High blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, high blood pressure can damage these organs and tissues.
Organs Impacted by High Blood Pressure
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Causes
By definition, the cause of essential hypertension is not known.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.Risk factors for high blood pressure include:
Symptoms
High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms. Your organs and tissues can be damaged by high blood pressure without you feeling any symptoms.
Occasionally, if blood pressure reaches extreme levels, you may experience the following symptoms:
Headache
Blurry or double vision
Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Diagnosis
High blood pressure is often diagnosed during a visit to the doctor. Blood pressure is measured using a cuff around the arm and a device called a sphygmomanometer. If your blood pressure reading is high, you'll be asked to come back for repeat blood pressure checks. If you have two or more visits with readings over 140/90, you will be diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Your doctor will order tests to make sure your high blood pressure is not caused by another medical condition and that it has not already caused complications. These tests include:
Blood tests
Urine tests
Chest x-raysa test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
Treatment
Lifestyle Changes
Lose weight if necessary. Your doctor can recommend a safe weight loss plan and a reasonable target weight.
Begin a safe exercise program based on the advice of your doctor. In addition, try to add physical activity into your daily life.
Eat a low-fat, low-sodium, high-fiber diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, as recommended by your doctor.
If you smoke, quit.
Drink alcohol in moderation. Moderate alcohol intake is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
Consider counseling, stress reduction exercises, and meditation to decrease the stress in your life.
Medications
Types of medications to lower blood pressure include:
Diuretics
Beta blockers
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
Calcium channel blockers
Angiotensin receptor blockers
Aldosterone blockers
Alpha blockers
Alpha-beta blockers
Nervous system inhibitors
Vasodilators
Note: Untreated high blood pressure can lead to:
Heart disease
Heart attack
Stroke
Kidney damage
Prevention
To reduce your chance of developing high blood pressure:
Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit.
Drink alcohol in moderation. Moderate alcohol intake is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/Page.asp?PageID=24
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
http://www.ottawaheart.ca/UOHI/Welcome.do
References:
American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org .
Chobanian AV. Clinical practice. Isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:789-796.
Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et al. The Seventh report of the Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure. The JNC 7 report. JAMA . 2003;289:2560-2572.
Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. WB Saunders Company; 2001.
Dynamed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com . Accessed December 20, 2007.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov .
Last reviewed December 2007 by Jill Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS STORY
