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What is hypertension and why is your blood pressure important?
What is hypertension and why is your blood pressure important?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. This means your heart has to work harder to pump blood, potentially leading to other health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
Your blood pressure is important because it indicates how well your heart and blood vessels are working to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your organs. Having a blood pressure that's too high or too low can lead to serious health problems over time. Unfortunately, many people overlook the significance of healthy blood pressure, and some may not even realize they’re at risk for related conditions (SafeBeat, 2017).
Hypertension Statistics in the United States
Hypertension Statistics in the United States
Nearly half of adults (48% or 119.9 million) have diagnosed hypertension.
Only 1 in 4 adults (22.5% or 27 million) with high blood pressure have it under control
High blood pressure is a primary or contributing cause of death.
Fifty percent of men experience high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is more common in black adults (56%) than in white adults (48%), Asian adults (19%), or Hispanic adults (25%)
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025).
(CareClinic, 2023)
What does my blood pressure mean?
What does my blood pressure mean?
(CareClinic, 2023)
Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, each with specific meanings.
The top number, called systolic blood pressure, reflects the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is actively pumping blood.
The bottom number, diastolic blood pressure, shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.
Both numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which is a standard unit for pressure. While both systolic and diastolic pressures are important, systolic pressure tends to receive more attention, especially in people over 50, because it is a key factor in predicting cardiovascular events (SafeBeat, 2017).
What are the blood pressure ranges?
What are the blood pressure ranges?
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association use five classifications of blood pressure. The ideal blood pressure is classified as normal.
Normal Blood Pressure Range
Normal Blood Pressure Range
The systolic blood pressure (top number) is less than 120mmHg and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is less than 80 mmHg.
Pre- Hypertension
Pre- Hypertension
The systolic blood pressure (top number) is between 120 and 129mmHg and/or the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is less than 80 mmHg.
Hypertension Stage 1
Hypertension Stage 1
The systolic blood pressure (top number) is between 130 and 139mmHg and/or the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is between 80 and 90 mmHg.
Hypertension Stage 2
Hypertension Stage 2
The systolic blood pressure (top number) is between 140 and 159 and/or the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is between 90 and 99 mmHg.
Hypertensive Crisis/ Emergency Stage
Hypertensive Crisis/ Emergency Stage
Requires immediate medical attention, it happens when the systolic pressure is over 180mmHg and/or the diastolic pressure is over 120 mmHg. This stage may be accompanied by one or several of the following symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision changes (Mayo Clinic, 2024; SafeBeat, 2017).
(The Jersey Tomato Press, 2019)
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
(Barhum, 2023)
Most people with high blood pressure do not experience symptoms. However, if symptoms do appear, it may include:
Headaches
Nosebleeds
Flushing
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Heart palpitations and/or Chest pain
Shortness of breath
These symptoms may indicate a hypertensive crisis (180/120 mm HG or higher) and likely require immediate medical attention (Barhum, 2023; Mayo, 2024).
What causes high blood pressure and how might I prevent it?
What causes high blood pressure and how might I prevent it?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can develop for various reasons. In many cases, it occurs gradually over time without a clear cause, a condition known as primary or essential hypertension. This type is often linked to factors such as aging, genetic predisposition, poor diet, especially high salt intake, lack of physical activity, obesity, and chronic stress (Mayo Clinic, 2024). Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, results from underlying health issues or the use of certain substances. Conditions like kidney disease, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and adrenal gland problems can lead to elevated blood pressure, as can the use of medications such as birth control pills, decongestants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Excessive alcohol consumption and drug use may also contribute (Mayo Clinic, 2024 & 2022). Together, these factors can disrupt the body's regulation of blood pressure, increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular complications if left unmanaged.
To help prevent hypertension, consider adopting a healthy lifestyle, focusing on diet, exercise, and weight management. Avoid smoking, limit your alcohol consumption, prioritize your sleep and look for ways to manage your stress levels. Techniques like yoga, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can help (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).
(Element Chiriopractic, 2025)
What are common myths regarding high blood pressure?
What are common myths regarding high blood pressure?
MYTH 1: High blood pressure runs in my family, I cannot prevent it.
MYTH 1: High blood pressure runs in my family, I cannot prevent it.
High blood pressure often runs in families, increasing your risk if close relatives have it. Still, healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent it, even with a genetic predisposition (American Heart Association, 2024b).
MYTH 2: I'm in control of my sodium because I do not use table salt.
MYTH 2: I'm in control of my sodium because I do not use table salt.
While eliminating table salt is a good start, it is important to remember that most of the sodium we consume is hidden in processed foods. Be sure to check nutrition labels for "sodium," "soda," or the symbol "Na" to spot hidden sodium sources. Additionally, kosher and sea salt have the same about of sodium as table salt, and is not a healthier option for cooking (American Heart Association, 2024b).
MYTH 3: I don't have any symptoms of high blood pressure, so there is no cause for concern.
MYTH 3: I don't have any symptoms of high blood pressure, so there is no cause for concern.
High blood pressure is also known as the "silent killer." You can have high blood pressure for many years without symptoms (American Heart Association, 2024b).
MYTH 4: Wine is good for the heart, so drinking will not affect my blood pressure.
MYTH 4: Wine is good for the heart, so drinking will not affect my blood pressure.
Regular and/or heavy use of alcohol can increase blood pressure. If you drink alcohol or red wine, do so in moderation. Men should limit themselves to no more than two drinks per day. One drink equals:
12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content)
8 ounces malt liquor (7% alcohol content)
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounce of 80 proof liquor (American Heart Association, 2024b).
MYTH 5: My healthcare professional checks my blood pressure, so I do not need to monitor my blood pressure at home.
MYTH 5: My healthcare professional checks my blood pressure, so I do not need to monitor my blood pressure at home.
The American Heart Association encourages individuals with high blood pressure to monitor their blood pressure at home. This helps healthcare providers determine whether current treatments are effective. Home monitoring can also help verify a high blood pressure diagnosis. It is important to note, that home blood pressure monitoring should not take the place of regular medical appointments. Never stop or adjust your medication without first speaking to your healthcare provider, even if readings seem normal (2025). For additional information please visit the resource page on Blood Pressure Monitoring.
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