What is high blood pressure?

When to see the Doctor

High blood pressure is when the force of your  Blood pressure is usually taken as a
blood pushing against the walls of your blood routine doctor’s appointment.
vessels is consistently too high.  Ask for blood pressure reading every 2
years at age 18
 Normal: < 120 / < 80
 If 40 yrs. or older, or have a higher risk
 Elevated: 120-129 / <80
of high blood pressure, ask for a reading
 High blood pressure (stage 1): 130-139 /
every year.
80-80
 Blood pressure should be checked in
 High blood pressure (stage 2) 140+ /
both arms to determine if there is a
90+
difference.
 Hypertensive crisis (> 180) / (> 120)

Symptoms

Most people with high blood pressure have no

signs or symptoms.

Few may have the following:

 Headache
 Shortness of breath
 Nose bleeds

Risk Factors:

 Age
 Race
 Family history
 Being overweight or obese
 Not being physically active
 Smoking
 Diet high in salt
 Diet low in potassium If you do not regularly see a doctor get a free
 Diet low in vitamin D blood pressure screening at a health fair or
 Drinking too much alcohol other locations in your community. Some stores
 Stress will have machines to measure your blood
 Certain chronic conditions pressure for free.
 Complications
 Heart Attack
o Blockage blood vessels
providing oxygen rich blood to
 Kidney Disease
the heart, resulting in damage
to the heart muscle.
o High blood pressure damages
and weakens the blood vessels
of the heart increasing risk of
heart attacks.
 Heart Failure
o Reduced effectiveness of the
heart as a pump due to
increased workload, ultimately
leading to failure.
o The increased work load of the
heart causes it to enlarge
reducing its effectiveness.
 Vision Loss
 Stroke
o Blood flow to the brain is
restricted to the point where
brain functions becomes
abnormal.
o High blood pressure also
 Aneurysm
increases the formation of clots
as blood vessels harden.
o High blood pressure affects
blood flow to the brain,
increasing the risk for stroke
 Diabetes
o High blood pressure can lead to
diabetes and worsen its effects.
o Diabetes can also cause high
blood pressure.
 Sexual Dysfunction
o Blood supply to the penile
arteries are reduced, resulting
in erectile dysfunction.
o The kidneys remove waste
products from the blood and
help control fluid levels.
o Increased blood pressure can
damage the arteries that flow
into the kidney, reducing the
oxygen supply to the kidney
causing damage.
o Increased blood pressure also
reduces the amount of blood
the kidney can filter.
o Once kidney failure occurs it is
not reversible.
o High blood pressure can
damage the blood vessels in the
eyes damaging the retina,
leading to vision loss or
blindness.
o Rupture of the blood vessels
that feed the brain.
o The result of damaged and
weakened blood vessels due to
the stiffening and increased
pressure caused by high blood
pressure.
Prevention
Eat Healthy
• Eat foods low in salt and high in
potassium
• Eat foods low in fat and plenty of fruits
vegetables and whole grains
• Dash diet – Dietary Approaches to Stop
Hypertension.
Be a healthy Weight
• To determine your weight is healthy,
calculate your BMI (Body mass index).
Exercise Regularly
• About 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity
exercise (brisk walk or bicycling) per
week
Limit Alcohol
 No more than 2 drinks/day for men
 No more than 1 drink/day for women
NO SMOKING
• Smoking raises you blood pressure and
puts you at a higher risk for heart attack
and stroke.
Manage Stress
• Exercising, listening to music, focus on
something calm and peaceful, and/or
meditating can improve your emotion
and physical health, while lowering high
blood pressure.