High blood pressure (hypertension) is a serious condition. It’s called the “silent killer” because people often have no symptoms, yet it can lead to some serious and sometimes even fatal conditions.
Your blood moves through your body at a certain rate. According to the Heart Association, a blood pressure reading of less than 120/80 mmHg is considered normal.
You are diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) if your blood pressure readings are consistently above 140/90 mmHg.
When you have high blood pressure, your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure, putting more pressure on the delicate tissues and damaging your blood vessels.
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure
There are a few types of high blood pressure depending on severity. They are:
- prehypertension: 120/80 mmHg or higher
- stage 1 high blood pressure: 140/90 mmHg or higher
- stage 2 high blood pressure: 160/100 mmHg or higher
- hypertensive crisis (a life-threatening condition): 180/110 mmHg or higher
Treatment for high blood pressure varies from changing lifestyle choices to using medications.
If your increased blood pressure is not severe your doctor will probably recommend lifestyle modifications first. These include:
- losing weight
- exercising
- eating healthy
- reducing the amount of salt in your diet
High Blood Pressure Prevention
If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you should work with your doctor on reducing your risks. You should also take the following measures:
- Eat a healthy low-sodium diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Try to maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
