You may be more likely to have high blood pressure due to your genetics, age, and whether you have certain health conditions. Treatment may include medication and lifestyle changes.
What is high blood pressure?
Narrow arteries create more resistance for blood flow out of the heart. The narrower your arteries, the more resistance there is, and the higher your blood pressure will be. Over the long term, the increased pressure can cause health issues, including heart disease.
Hypertension is quite common. Since guidelines changed in 2017, nearly halfTrusted Source of American adults have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
Hypertension typically develops over several years, usually without causing any symptoms. But even without symptoms, high blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels and organs, especially the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys.
Early detection is important. Regular blood pressure readings can help you and a doctor notice any changes. If your blood pressure is elevated, a doctor may have you check your blood pressure over a few weeks to see if the number stays elevated or falls back to typical levels.
Treatment for hypertension includes both prescription medication and healthy lifestyle changes. Without treatment, it could lead to health issues, including heart attack and stroke.
How to understand high blood pressure readings
Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (top number): the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps out blood
- Diastolic pressure (bottom number): the pressure in your arteries between beats of your heart