Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. That is why hypertension is often called the "silent killer." However, some people with high blood pressure may experience:
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision or vision changes
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headaches, particularly in the morning
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
- Blood in the urine
- A pounding feeling in the chest, neck, or ears
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Waiting for symptoms to appear can be life-threatening.
Causes: Primary vs. Secondary Hypertension
Primary (essential) hypertension: For most adults, there is no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type, called primary or essential hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years. It is the most common type and is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Secondary hypertension: Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension, including kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid problems, certain medications (such as birth control pills, cold remedies, and decongestants), and illegal drugs.
Treatment and Lifestyle Changes
The good news is that high blood pressure can often be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes. Here are key steps you can take:
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. Regular physical activity can lower your blood pressure by about 5 to 8 mm Hg.
- Eat a healthy diet: Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products while reducing saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Reduce sodium intake: Even a small reduction in sodium in your diet can improve heart health and reduce blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg.
- Quit smoking: Each cigarette you smoke increases your blood pressure for many minutes after you finish. Stopping smoking helps your blood pressure return to normal and reduces your risk of heart disease.
- Limit alcohol: Drinking alcohol in moderation — generally one drink a day for women and two for men — can potentially lower your blood pressure by about 4 mm Hg.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress may contribute to high blood pressure. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Monitor your blood pressure at home: Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure and alert you to potential health issues early.
If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control your blood pressure, your doctor may also prescribe medication. It is important to take any prescribed medication exactly as directed and to continue monitoring your blood pressure regularly.