WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is hypertension? Hypertension is high blood pressure (BP). Your BP is the force of your blood moving against the walls of your arteries. Normal BP is less than 120/80. Prehypertension is between 120/80 and 139/89. Hypertension is 140/90 or higher. Hypertension causes your BP to get so high that your heart has to work much harder than normal. This can cause damage to your heart. Hypertension is a long-term condition that you will need to control with a healthy lifestyle or medicines. A controlled blood pressure helps protect your organs, such as your heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. What causes hypertension? The cause of hypertension may not be known. This type of hypertension is called essential or primary hypertension. Hypertension can sometimes be caused by other medical conditions, such as kidney disease. This type of hypertension is called secondary hypertension. What increases my risk for hypertension? - Age older than 55 years (men)
- Age older than 65 years (women)
- A family history of hypertension or heart disease
- Obesity or lack of exercise
- Too many high-sodium foods
- Stress
- Use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs
- A medical condition, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, thyroid disease, or adrenal gland disorder
- Medicines, such as steroids or birth control pills
What are the signs and symptoms of hypertension? You may have no signs or symptoms, or you may have any of the following: - Headache
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or weakness
- Trouble breathing
- Nosebleeds
How is hypertension diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and the medicines you take. He will also ask if you have a family history of high blood pressure and about any health conditions you have. He will also check your blood pressure and weight and examine your heart, lungs, and eyes. You may need any of the following tests: - Blood tests may help healthcare providers find the cause of your hypertension. Blood tests can also help find other health problems caused by hypertension.
- Urine tests will be done to check your kidneys.
- An EKG records the electrical activity of your heart. It is used to check your heart rhythm or other problems caused by hypertension.
How is hypertension treated? Your healthcare provider will recommend lifestyle changes to lower your BP. You may also need the following medicines: - Blood pressure medicine helps lower your blood pressure. You may need more than one type of blood pressure medicine. Take your blood pressure medicine exactly as directed.
- Diuretics help decrease extra fluid that collects in your body. This will help lower your BP. You may urinate more often while you take this medicine.
How can I manage my hypertension? Talk with your healthcare provider about these and other lifestyle changes you can make to manage your hypertension: - Check your BP at home. Sit and rest for 5 minutes before you take your BP. Extend your arm and support it on a flat surface. Your arm should be at the same level as your heart. Follow the directions that came with your BP monitor. If possible, take at least 2 BP readings each time. Take your BP at least twice a day at the same times each day, such as morning and evening. Keep a record of your BP readings and bring it to your follow-up visits. Ask your healthcare provider what your BP should be.
- Eat less sodium (salt). Do not add sodium to your food. Limit foods that are high in sodium, such as canned foods, potato chips, and cold cuts. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you follow the DASH Eating Plan. The plan is low in sodium, unhealthy fats, and total fat. It is high in potassium, calcium, and fiber.
- Exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise at least 30 minutes per day, on most days of the week. This will help decrease your blood pressure. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.
- Decrease stress. This may help lower your BP. Learn ways to relax, such as deep breathing or listening to music.
- Limit alcohol. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can increase your BP and also cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Manage any other health conditions you have. Health conditions such as diabetes can increase your risk for hypertension. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and take all your medicines as directed.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have a severe headache or vision loss.
- You have weakness in an arm or leg.
- You become confused or have difficulty speaking.
- You have discomfort in your chest that feels like squeezing, pressure, fullness, or pain.
- You suddenly feel lightheaded or have trouble breathing.
- You have pain or discomfort in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You feel faint, dizzy, confused, or drowsy.
- You have been taking your BP medicine and your BP is still higher than your healthcare provider says it should be.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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