High Blood Pressure is a common and dangerous condition. Having High Blood Pressure means the pressure of the blood in your blood vessels is higher than it should be. The good news is you can take steps to control your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Who is Affected?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults in the United States (47%) have hypertension or are taking medication for hypertension.
Risk Factors
Age
The chance of having high blood pressure increases as you get older.
Gender
A greater percentage of men (50%) have High Blood Pressure than women (44%). Before the age of 55, men are at a greater risk of developing High Blood Pressure than women. Women are more likely to develop High Blood Pressure after completing menopause.
Family History
High Blood Pressure tends to run in families.
Race
CDC states that High Blood Pressure is more common in non-Hispanic black adults (56%) than in non-Hispanic white adults (48%), non-Hispanic Asian adults (46%), or Hispanic adults (39%).
What are the symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
High Blood Pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms. Many people do not know that they have High Blood Pressure. That’s why it’s important to get checked regularly.
What Blood Pressure Numbers Mean
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.
Note that you should consult with your doctor regarding what your normal blood pressure is.
Living with High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, you'll need to treat and control it for life. This means making lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medicines, and getting ongoing medical care. Treatment can help control blood pressure, but it will not cure the condition.
Take the following steps for a healthy future:
Lifestyle changes
Making healthy lifestyle changes can help control High Blood Pressure. A healthy lifestyle includes following a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking.
Medicines
Take all blood pressure medicines that your doctor prescribes. Know the names and doses of your medicines and how to take them. If you have questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Ongoing care
If you have High Blood Pressure, have medical checkups or tests as your doctor advises. Your doctor may need to change or add medicines to your treatment plan over time. Routine checkups allow your doctor to change your treatment right away if your blood pressure goes up again.
Keeping track of your blood pressure is important. Have your blood pressure checked on the schedule your doctor advises.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Aging, National Institutes of Health | www.nia.nih.gov
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute National Institutes of Health | www.nhlbi.nih.gov
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H3329_2022 HBPBlog 06222022
Last updated May 24, 2022
About the Writer
Heather Ogando, MD is Vice President of Clinical Services and PACE Medical Director.