Top High Blood Pressure Articles – Symptoms, Medication & More

High blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, is a medical condition that occurs when the pressure or force of the blood pumping from the heart to the arteries is too high. Blood pressure numbers are measured by the dual forces of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure refers to the pressure against the artery walls when blood is pumped from the heart, and diastolic pressure occurs when the heart rests between each heartbeat. ⁽¹⁾

Physicians measure blood pressure using units of millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The numbers are in pairs, with the top number representing systolic pressure and the bottom number representing diastolic pressure. ⁽²⁾ Millimeters of mercury measure pressure levels, and the numbers indicate how high each column of mercury rises. ⁽³⁾

HBP is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” because many people don’t have physical symptoms in the early stages of the condition. ⁽⁴⁾

A diagnosis of hypertension may also affect an individual’s mental health in a few ways. First, a diagnosis of high blood pressure can cause a person to feel anxious about their overall health and wellness. When left untreated, this can increase stress hormone levels in the blood, which can heighten feelings of anxiety and stress. ⁽⁵⁾

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

The exact cause of high blood pressure can vary from person to person, and in some cases, the cause is unknown. ⁶ Sometimes, high pressure or hypertension is due to sedentary lifestyles and a lack of physical exercise. Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, are also at risk for hypertension, and some women develop it during pregnancy. ⁽⁷⁾
High blood pressure caused by an underlying condition or issue is referred to as secondary hypertension. ⁽⁸⁾ Some additional conditions linked to this can include:

• Use of diet pills
• Congenital heart defects that are present at birth
• Thyroid issues
• Prescription medications
• Obstructive sleep apnea

What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

In its early stages, high blood pressure doesn’t usually cause symptoms, and most people learn of their conditions through blood pressure testing. Many people believe that it produces symptoms such as shakiness and sweating, but this isn’t always the case. ⁽⁹⁾ People may experience symptoms when their blood pressure becomes very high. ⁽¹⁰⁾ Some possible symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Pounding in the chest or neck

Some additional symptoms that can occur with high blood pressure and other conditions include:

• Flushing
• Sleep problems
• Dizziness
• Anxiousness/nervousness

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

Doctors use blood pressure cuffs, electronic sensors or stethoscopes to test a person’s blood pressure. They also conduct standard physical exams and ask patients about their medical histories. These painless tests are generally performed in medical offices. ⁽¹¹⁾
Ideally, physicians like to see blood pressure numbers below 120 for systolic and below 80 for diastolic. ⁽¹²⁾ The five stages of blood pressure range from normal to hypertensive crisis. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:

• Less than 120/80 (normal): Readings lower than 120/80 are considered normal.
• 120-129/ less than 80 (elevated): Readings between 120-129/ less than 80 are considered elevated.
• 130-139/80-89 (high blood pressure): Readings of 130-139/80-89 are considered high blood pressure. Individuals with these numbers may need to take medication or make dietary changes.
• Higher than 140/90 (stage 2 hypertension/high blood pressure): Readings above 140/90 and lower than 180/120 indicate stage 2 hypertension. Patients may be advised to take blood pressure medications and make dietary/lifestyle changes
• Higher than 180/120 (hypertensive crisis): Any reading over 180/120 indicates severely high blood pressure or a hypertensive crisis. Individuals with these numbers should seek immediate medical attention.

How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?

High blood pressure that falls within the high and stage 2 hypertension ranges is usually treated with a combination of prescription medication and lifestyle changes. ⁽¹³⁾ Patients diagnosed with hypertensive crises may have to stay in the hospital, so their organs can be monitored during treatment with oral or IV medications. ⁽¹⁴⁾
Some common medications to help treat high blood pressure include:

• Diuretics (water pills): Remove excess fluid and sodium from the body
• Calcium channel blockers: Help relax blood vessel muscles and slow down the heart rate
• Alpha-beta blockers: Balance the heartbeat and help the heart beat more slowly and with reduced force
• Beta-blockers: Take pressure off the heart and help expand the blood vessels

Lifestyle and dietary changes recommended for individuals with this ailment include reducing sodium intake, losing weight if overweight and committing to daily exercise. Patients may also be advised to reduce their alcohol intake and stop smoking if they smoke cigarettes.
Research has shown that mental health therapy may aid in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure numbers and improve symptoms of anxiety and sleeplessness. Undergoing therapy can help people get to the root causes of their stress and anxiety, allowing them to move forward toward complete mind/body healing. ⁽¹⁵⁾

How to Cope With a High Blood Pressure Diagnosis

This diagnosis can be life-changing, especially if the diagnosis comes as a surprise. Instead of looking at hypertension in a negative way, an individual can cope with their diagnosis by viewing it as a “wake-up call” that allows them to take steps toward better health. Taking prescribed medication as directed and following physician orders in terms of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes also help manage symptoms. Calming activities, such as yoga and meditation, can help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with high blood pressure, and individuals can also work with professional therapists to get their stress levels under control.

How to Help Someone With High Blood Pressure

Friends and loved ones of someone diagnosed with high blood pressure can offer support in many ways. Preparing heart-healthy meals, becoming exercise buddies, and offering to drive their loved ones to doctors’ appointments are great ways for people to show how much they care. Since a diagnosis can sometimes increase stress and anxiety, it’s important to have patience and be a good listener if the individual is struggling to cope. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and offering tips on stress reduction are also beneficial ways to assist a person dealing with a diagnosis of hypertension.