High blood pressure is known as hypertension. This happens when the force of your blood on the walls of your blood vessels is too high.  In the United States, nearly half of the adult population has high blood pressure, and some do not even know they have it. High blood pressure is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because there are not always symptoms. To determine if you have high blood pressure you need to have it checked. Also, it is important to monitor your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure to make sure treatment is effective. Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage the walls of blood vessels which can result in:

• Stroke
• Vision loss
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Kidney disease/failure
• Sexual dysfunction

For adults, according to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is less than 130/80. If your blood pressure is measuring 130 on top (systolic) or higher or 80 on the bottom (diastolic) or higher, schedule an appointment with your provider for further evaluation. If your blood pressure is higher than 180 on top or higher than 120 on the bottom you need to be seen immediately.

Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you are having:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• back pain
• numbness
• weakness
• change in vision
• difficulty speaking

Blood Pressure Measurement Instructions

• Bring in your home BP measuring device to the clinic to compare the results of it to the clinic readings.
• Write down your blood pressure readings and bring them to your next office visit. The CDC offers a free, printable blood pressure log available at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/docs/My_Blood_Pressure_Log.pdf   

Steps to manage blood pressure:

• Avoid smoking
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days per week
• If you have high blood pressure, see your healthcare provider and follow the prescribed treatment plan

References

American Heart Association. (2024). High blood pressure. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure 

American Heart Association. (2024). Blood pressure measurement instructions [infographic]. https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/how_to_measure_your_blood_pressure_letter_size.pdf