Hypertension

Symptoms to Watch For

What It Is

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious conditions.

Blood Pressure Categories

Blood pressure is measured as two numbers. Normal is below 120/80 mmHg, elevated is 120 to 129 over less than 80, stage 1 hypertension is 130 to 139 over 80 to 89, and stage 2 hypertension is 140 or higher over 90 or higher.

Causes

Primary hypertension develops gradually over many years with no identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension results from underlying conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, or certain medications.

Lifestyle Modifications

Reducing sodium intake, following a DASH diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and not smoking can lower blood pressure significantly.

Medications

When lifestyle changes are insufficient, we may prescribe diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, or beta-blockers, often in combination to achieve your target blood pressure.

Why Treatment Matters

Long-term untreated hypertension damages blood vessels and organs. Consistent blood pressure control dramatically reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage.