High blood pressure: the risks you need to know

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls is too high. 

What is blood pressure?

The measurement of the pressure or force of your blood pushing against the blood vessel walls is known as your blood pressure or BP. There is a top number, the systolic blood pressure, and a bottom number known as the diastolic blood pressure. 

What is considered high blood pressure?

Ultimately what's considered "high" will depend on where you live. For example, in the US, a top number of 130 mmHg and/or a bottom number of at least 80 mmHg can signal high blood pressure. In Europe on the other hand, a top number of 140 and/ or a bottom number of at least 90 mmHg are concerning.

2020 stats

In 2020, high blood pressure contributed to over 670,000 deaths in the US alone. 

Types of high blood pressure

The more common type of high blood pressure is known as primary hypertension. It's found in about 90% of all adult cases in the US. It includes lifestyle factors like not exercising enough as well as aging.

Can the two types of high blood pressure co-exist?

Yes, primary and secondary high blood pressure can exist simultaneously. You may already have primary high blood pressure that is then exacerbated by a secondary cause.

Some causes of secondary hypertension

Common causes of secondary hypertension include certain medications like immunosuppressants, NSAIDs, and oral contraceptives. 

Is high blood pressure genetic?

Researchers believe that if one or more of your close, biological family members has high blood pressure then you are at an increased risk for developing it.

More risk factors

If you are obese or overweight and not getting enough exercise, you can be at a higher risk for hypertension. 

More complications

Other complications include kidney disease, kidney failure, complications during pregnancy, and vascular dementia. 

Appointments

If at two appointments, your provider tells you that your blood pressure is high, then you should make sure to really explore hypertension further and make lifestyle and other changes before it gets worse.

Get enough potassium

Potassium is an important nutrient for keeping your blood pressure in check. Try and consume 3,500 to 5,000 milligrams per day and ideally do so through the foods you eat instead of taking supplements.

Medicines

If you're dealing with secondary high blood pressure then the pressure will likely decrease after you receive treatment for the medical problem that was originally the cause.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If not in an emergency setting, you can ask your doctor, "What’s my average blood pressure reading," "What’s an ideal blood pressure reading for me," and "Should I use a home blood pressure monitor?"