High Blood Pressure – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects the arteries in your body. When you have high blood pressure, blood pushes against your artery walls with too much force.
This makes your heart work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Doctors measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Generally, hypertension means a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
Medical experts classify blood pressure into four main categories:
| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic (Top Number) | Diastolic (Bottom Number) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Below 120 | Below 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | Below 80 |
| Stage 1 Hypertension | 130-139 | 80-89 |
| Stage 2 Hypertension | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
If someone has a blood pressure reading above 180/120 mm Hg, this is a hypertensive crisis requiring immediate medical attention.
Without treatment, high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. Everyone should have their blood pressure checked every two years from age 18, though some may need more frequent checks.
You can help prevent and manage high blood pressure through healthy lifestyle choices such as:
- Not smoking
- Regular exercise
- Eating a balanced diet
- Limiting salt intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Signs and Symptoms
High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms, even at dangerously high levels. You might have high blood pressure for years without realizing it.
A small number of people might experience:
- Headaches
- Breathing Difficulties
- Nosebleeds
Nonetheless, these symptoms are not dependable indicators, as they typically manifest only when high blood pressure has progressed to a severe or life-threatening level.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re 18 or older, get your blood pressure checked at least every two years. Adults 40 and older should have yearly checkups.
People with high blood pressure risk factors need more frequent monitoring. Risk factors include:
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Inactive lifestyle
- Unhealthy diet
Children should have their blood pressure measured yearly starting at age 3, during regular checkups.
If you don’t visit a doctor regularly, you can find free blood pressure screenings at:
- Community health fairs
- Some pharmacies
- Grocery stores with health clinics
Make it a priority to attend your scheduled blood pressure checks. Early detection of high blood pressure can help prevent serious health problems.
Causes
Primary (Essential) Hypertension
- The most common type develops gradually over many years
- No single identifiable cause
- Often linked to genetics, lifestyle, and aging
Secondary High Blood Pressure
This type comes from specific health problems or medications. It often appears suddenly and may cause higher readings.
Common causes include:
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid problems
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Birth defects affecting blood vessels
- Sleep apnea
Medications that may raise blood pressure:
- Some cold and cough medicines
- Certain pain relievers
- Birth control pills
- Some prescription drugs
Other substances:
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
Some people’s blood pressure rises just from visiting the doctor. This is called “white-coat hypertension.”
Risk Factors
While blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, several factors can increase your chance of developing high blood pressure.
Age and Gender Effects
- Blood pressure risk increases as you get older
- Men have a higher risk until about age 64
- Women face greater risk after age 65
Genetic and Family Factors
- Having parents or siblings with high blood pressure increases your risk
- Black individuals often develop high blood pressure earlier than White individuals
Weight and Lifestyle Influences
Being overweight affects blood pressure because excess weight changes how your blood vessels, kidneys, and other body parts function. People who carry extra weight also face higher risks of heart disease and high cholesterol.
Lack of regular exercise can lead to weight gain and a faster heartbeat, which can raise blood pressure.
Substance Use
| Substance | Effect on Blood Pressure |
|---|---|
| Tobacco/Vaping | Causes immediate short-term increases |
| Alcohol | Raises blood pressure, especially in men |
Tobacco products damage blood vessel walls and accelerate artery hardening.
Dietary Factors
Your eating habits play a significant role in blood pressure health.
- High sodium (salt) causes your body to retain fluid, increasing blood pressure
- Low potassium levels disrupt the salt balance in your cells, affecting heart health
- Poor potassium levels might result from dietary choices or conditions such as dehydration
Additional Risk Factors
Stress can temporarily raise blood pressure, and stress-related behaviors like overeating or drinking alcohol can cause further increases.
Certain health conditions increase your risk:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Pregnancy (in some cases)
Children and High Blood Pressure
While high blood pressure affects adults most commonly, children can develop it too. In children, the cause might be kidney or heart problems.
However, more children now develop high blood pressure due to unhealthy diets and insufficient physical activity.
Health Risks of Untreated High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure puts extra strain on your blood vessels and organs over time. Without treatment, this pressure can cause serious health problems.
Blood vessel damage from high blood pressure may lead to heart attacks or strokes. The constant pressure can harden your arteries, making them narrower and less flexible.
An aneurysm is another possible complication. This happens when high pressure weakens a blood vessel wall, causing it to bulge. If it bursts, it can be deadly.
Your heart must work harder when your blood pressure is high. This extra effort causes the heart muscle to thicken, a condition called left ventricular hypertrophy.
Eventually, your heart may become too weak to pump blood effectively, resulting in heart failure.
Kidney damage is common with long-term high blood pressure. The tiny blood vessels in your kidneys can narrow and weaken, reducing kidney function.
Vision problems may develop as blood vessels in your eyes become damaged. This can lead to blurry vision or even vision loss.
Metabolic syndrome often occurs alongside high blood pressure. This group of conditions includes:
- Increased waist size
- High triglycerides
- Low “good” cholesterol
- High blood sugar
People with high blood pressure may notice changes in thinking abilities. You might have trouble with memory, understanding new information, or learning new skills.
Long-term blood flow problems to the brain can lead to vascular dementia. This happens when narrowed arteries limit blood supply to brain cells.
