Prehypertension – Symptoms and Causes

Blood Pressure Categories

Blood pressure readings use two numbers measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). According to leading heart health organizations, blood pressure falls into four main categories.

Normal blood pressure measures below 120/80 mm Hg. This is the ideal range for most adults.

Elevated blood pressure occurs when the top number (systolic) falls between 120-129 mm Hg while the bottom number (diastolic) remains under 80 mm Hg. This is not yet considered hypertension but requires attention.

Blood pressure categories can be summarized as follows:

Category	Systolic (top number)	Diastolic (bottom number)
Normal	Less than 120 mm Hg	Less than 80 mm Hg
Elevated	120-129 mm Hg	Less than 80 mm Hg
Stage 1 Hypertension	130-139 mm Hg	80-89 mm Hg
Stage 2 Hypertension	140 mm Hg or higher	90 mm Hg or higher

The health risks of unaddressed elevated blood pressure can be serious. If it develops into hypertension, risks include:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Possible cognitive problems affecting memory and thinking

Many people can manage their blood pressure through lifestyle changes. Regular exercise and a healthy diet play key roles in preventing elevated blood pressure from progressing to hypertension.

Signs to Watch For

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms at all. You won’t feel it happening. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to measure it.

Make sure to get your blood pressure checked during visits to your healthcare provider. You can also buy a blood pressure monitor to use at home.

Regular checks are important because without them, high blood pressure can go undetected for years.

When to see a doctor

Children should have their blood pressure checked at regular wellness visits starting at age 3. If a child has high blood pressure, doctors will check it at each follow-up visit.

For adults 18 and older, blood pressure checks should happen at least every two years. People with elevated blood pressure or heart disease risk factors may need more frequent monitoring.

Recommended check-up schedule:

• Children: During well-visits from age 3
• Adults: Every two years (minimum)
• People with High Blood Pressure: At each medical appointment

Talk to your healthcare provider about the right schedule for your situation based on your health history and risk factors.

Causes

Blood pressure can rise when there’s extra pressure on artery walls. This may happen when fats, cholesterol, and other substances build up in and on these walls, a condition called atherosclerosis.

Interestingly, high blood pressure can also cause atherosclerosis, creating a harmful cycle. In some cases, doctors cannot identify what causes elevated blood pressure.

Several conditions may lead to higher blood pressure:

• Adrenal gland problems
• Congenital heart defects
• Kidney disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Thyroid disease

Certain substances can also raise blood pressure:

• Illegal drugs like cocaine and amphetamines
• Various medications including:
  • Birth control pills
  • Cold and sinus medicines
  • Pain relievers with caffeine
  • Some prescription medications

It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including over-the-counter products and supplements. This helps them identify possible causes of your elevated blood pressure.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of having elevated blood pressure:

• Weight Issues: Being overweight or obese makes you more likely to develop high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
• Family Background: If your parents or siblings have high blood pressure, you face a higher risk of developing it too.
• Physical Inactivity: Not exercising regularly can lead to weight gain, which increases blood pressure risks.
• Dietary Choices:
  • Too much salt (sodium) in your diet
  • Not enough potassium
  • These imbalances affect how your body regulates blood pressure
• Tobacco Exposure: Smoking, chewing tobacco, or breathing secondhand smoke can raise your blood pressure.
• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol links to higher blood pressure, especially in men.
• Health Conditions: These problems can increase your risk:
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
• Age Factor: Blood pressure tends to rise as people get older.
• Racial Differences: Black individuals often develop elevated blood pressure earlier than white people and have it more commonly.
• Children’s Risks: While less common in kids, elevated blood pressure can happen due to:
  • Kidney or heart problems
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity

Anyone can develop elevated blood pressure, including children. Your risk increases when you have multiple factors. Many of these risks can be managed through lifestyle changes and proper medical care.

Complications

High blood pressure that goes untreated can lead to serious health problems. Over time, the pressure damages organs throughout the body. People with hypertension face higher risks of:

• Heart attacks
• Heart failure
• Strokes
• Aneurysms
• Kidney failure

Prevention

You can take steps to stop high blood pressure before it starts. A healthy diet with less salt is key.

Regular exercise helps keep your heart strong. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Managing stress is also important for your heart health.