High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls remains too high. It usually causes no noticeable symptoms, but untreated hypertension can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications.

Regular blood pressure checks help detect the condition early. Lifestyle changes and medication, when needed, can help keep it under control.

What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?

Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic: The top number measures the pressure when your heart beats.
• Diastolic: The bottom number measures the pressure between beats.

For adults, blood pressure categories are:

• Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower.
• Elevated blood pressure, or high blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure of 120 to 129 mm Hg and diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mm Hg.
• Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic blood pressure is 130-139 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure ranges from 80 to 89 mm Hg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher. The bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.

Readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). If the numbers fall into different categories, the higher category applies.

One high reading does not usually confirm hypertension. Your provider may use repeated measurements and home or wearable blood pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Most hypertension develops gradually from a combination of genetics, aging, and lifestyle factors rather than from a single identifiable cause.

Risk factors include:

• A family history of high blood pressure
• Increasing age
• Overweight or obesity
• A diet high in sodium
• Limited physical activity
• Excessive alcohol use
• Poor-quality sleep

Sometimes hypertension results from another condition, such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, or a hormonal disorder. Certain medications, including some decongestants and anti-inflammatory pain relievers, can also raise blood pressure.

Does High Blood Pressure Have Symptoms?

Most people with hypertension feel well. Headaches, dizziness, and nosebleeds are not reliable indicators of it.

The only way to know your blood pressure is to measure it. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before getting checked.

How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?

Treatment depends on your readings, medical history, and risk of complications. Your provider will recommend a blood pressure goal and a plan that may include:

• Heart-healthy meals: A DASH-style eating plan emphasizes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
• Less sodium: Reduce salty packaged foods and added salt
• Regular activity: Choose exercise appropriate for your health
• Weight management: Modest weight loss may help if you are overweight
• Better sleep and stress management
• Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking
• Medication: Some people need more than one medicine

Take medication as prescribed, even when you feel well. Do not stop treatment just because your readings improve; that may mean the treatment is working.

Tips for Accurate Blood Pressure Checks

• Avoid smoking, caffeine and exercise for 30 minutes beforehand
• Empty your bladder
• Sit quietly for at least five minutes
• Keep your feet flat and your arm supported at heart level
• Use a correctly sized cuff on bare skin
• Do not talk during the measurement

Bring your home readings to your appointments so your provider can review the pattern.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If your top number is above 180 or your bottom number is above 120:

• With chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, numbness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking: Call 911 immediately. Do not wait for the pressure to come down.
• Without symptoms: Wait at least one minute, then measure again. If it remains that high, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period have different warning thresholds. Contact your maternity care team promptly if you have elevated readings or symptoms such as a severe headache or vision changes.

Take Control of Your Blood Pressure

Whether you have elevated readings or need ongoing hypertension care, tru Primary & Urgent Care can help you discuss your numbers and next steps.