High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very common condition, affecting nearly 50% of the U.S. adult population. While high blood pressure does not cause any symptoms, it can cause damage to your body if left unmanaged.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure gauges how much force your heart is using to pump blood throughout your body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Blood pressure readings are divided into four categories:

• Normal blood pressure: Lower than 120/80 mm Hg (read as “120 over 80)
• Elevated blood pressure: Top number is between 120 to 129 mm Hg; bottom number is below 80 mm Hg
• Stage 1 hypertension: Top number is between 130 to 139 mm Hg or bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg
• Stage 2 hypertension: Top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher

When you have high blood pressure, it means your heart is working harder than it should to pump blood throughout your body. This can create conditions that harm your heart and other organs.

How Do I Know If I Have High Blood Pressure?

Since high blood pressure does not cause symptoms, you will need to get your blood pressure taken regularly to make sure you are within a healthy range.

How Often Should I Get My Blood Pressure Taken?

You should check your blood pressure: 

• Once every two years if you are between the ages of 18 and 39
• Once a year if you are aged 40 or older OR if you are between 18 and 39 with a higher risk of high blood pressure (ask your primary care doctor about your risk level)

If you don’t see your primary care doctor on a consistent basis, you can still check your blood pressure regularly using a blood pressure machine at your local pharmacy. 

Why Do I Have High Blood Pressure?

There are several potential causes of your high blood pressure, including:

• Tobacco usage
• Lack of exercise and physical activity
• Family history
• Unhealthy eating habits
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• Obesity
• Stress
• Advanced age
• Lack of potassium in diet
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• High cholesterol
• Gender
  • Men younger than 64 years of age have higher rates of high blood pressure
  • Women older than 65 years of age have higher rates of high blood pressure
• Race 
  • Black, Hispanic and Asian adults are more likely to have high blood pressure

What Are the Risks of High Blood Pressure?

Untreated high blood pressure can put strain on your heart. It can also damage and weaken your arteries, which are the blood vessels that transport your blood from the heart to cells throughout your body. This damage can cause arteries to get clogged, making it more difficult for blood to get where it is needed to support organ function. 

When untreated high blood pressure leads to these conditions, it can increase your risk of:

• Heart attack
• Heart disease or failure
• Stroke
• Kidney disease or failure
• Loss of vision
• Sexual dysfunction

How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure?

Luckily, there are many ways to reduce your blood pressure. You can:

• Quit smoking
• Increase your physical activity
• Develop healthier dietary habits
  • Eat lots of fruits, veggies, nuts, legumes, whole grains and lean proteins (fish, poultry)
  • Reduce your intake of salt/sodium, alcohol, added sugar and saturated and trans fats
• Take steps to reduce your stress level, such as yoga and meditation
• Ask your primary care doctor about medical options