High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, is a critical condition that can result in coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and various other health complications.

"Blood pressure" refers to the force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps it. When this pressure remains elevated over time, it can cause harm to the body in multiple ways.

Overview

HBP typically presents no noticeable symptoms, allowing it to persist for years without detection. However, during this period, HBP can inflict damage on the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other bodily organs.

Monitoring your blood pressure levels is crucial, even when you feel well. Maintaining normal blood pressure allows you to collaborate with your healthcare team in preserving your health. Conversely, elevated blood pressure may necessitate treatment to prevent organ damage.

Blood pressure is measured in terms of systolic and diastolic pressures. "Systolic" indicates blood pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood, while "diastolic" refers to blood pressure when the heart is between beats and at rest.

Blood pressure readings are typically expressed with the systolic number preceding or above the diastolic number, such as 120/80 mmHg. (mmHg represents millimeters of mercury, the standard unit for blood pressure measurement.)

The table below illustrates normal blood pressure values for adults, as well as the ranges associated with increased health risks.

Blood Pressure Levels Categories for Adults (measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg)

 Category

 Systolic (top number)

 Diastolic (bottom number)

 Normal
 Less than 120
And
 Less than 80

 Prehypertension
 120–139
Or
 80–89

 High blood pressure

 Stage 1
 140–159
Or
 90–99

 Stage 2
 160 or higher
Or
 100 or higher

These ranges are applicable to most adults (aged 18 and older) without acute medical conditions.

Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, typically decreasing during sleep and increasing upon waking or during periods of excitement, nervousness, or physical activity. Consistently elevated blood pressure places individuals at risk of developing health issues.

All readings above 120/80 mmHg elevate the risk, with increasing risk corresponding to higher blood pressure numbers. "Prehypertension" indicates a predisposition to developing HBP unless preventive measures are taken.

Individuals undergoing treatment for HBP with repeated readings within the normal range have their condition under control. However, regular monitoring and adherence to treatment plans are necessary to maintain blood pressure within acceptable limits.

When systolic and diastolic numbers fall into different blood pressure categories, the more severe classification takes precedence. For example, if the systolic number is 160 and the diastolic number is 80, the individual has stage 2 HBP. If the systolic number is 120 and the diastolic number is 95, stage 1 HBP is present.

For individuals with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, HBP is defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher. Blood pressure thresholds also differ for children and adolescents.