High blood pressure, or hypertension, refers to a condition where the pressure of blood against artery walls is consistently higher than normal. For adults, a healthy blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).

You may be diagnosed with hypertension if your systolic pressure (the top number) is regularly above 130 mmHg or your diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is consistently above 80 mmHg.

Approximately 47% of adults in the United States either have high blood pressure or are taking medications to control it. If not properly managed, hypertension can increase the risk of serious health problems over time, such as heart disease and stroke.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

Most people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms. It is often called a “silent condition” because you may live with it for years without noticing. In many cases, people only discover they have high blood pressure after a routine checkup or home monitoring.

However, symptoms may appear during a hypertensive crisis, which occurs when blood pressure suddenly spikes to 180/120 mmHg or higher. Signs of a hypertensive crisis can include:

  • Nosebleed

  • Severe anxiety or a sense of impending doom

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sudden headache

  • Chest pain

  • Back pain

  • Weakness

  • Vision problems

A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms along with a blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher, seek emergency medical care immediately.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is a measure of the force your heart uses to pump blood through the arteries. Systolic pressure measures the force during a heartbeat, while diastolic pressure measures the force between beats when the heart is at rest.

Over time, either of these pressures may rise if the heart must pump harder to move blood throughout the body.

Risk Factors

Several genetic and lifestyle-related factors can lead to high blood pressure. You are at greater risk if you have a family history of hypertension. Other contributing factors include:

  • A diet high in salt

  • Not getting enough potassium and other key nutrients

  • Chronic stress or anxiety

  • Insomnia or poor sleep habits

  • Diabetes

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Smoking

  • Age 55 or older

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will typically measure your blood pressure using a cuff placed around your upper arm and a gauge to read systolic and diastolic pressure.

To ensure accuracy, your provider may take multiple readings during a single visit or over several visits. If you are at risk, they may recommend checking your blood pressure regularly at home using a digital monitor.

Stages of High Blood Pressure

There are four main stages of hypertension:

  • Elevated blood pressure: Systolic between 120–129 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg. At this stage, lifestyle changes are recommended to prevent progression.

  • Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic between 130–139 mmHg or diastolic between 80–89 mmHg. Lifestyle adjustments and possibly medication may be suggested.

  • Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic at or above 140 mmHg or diastolic at or above 90 mmHg. Both lifestyle changes and medication are typically required.

  • Hypertensive crisis: Systolic at or above 180 mmHg or diastolic at or above 120 mmHg. This is an emergency and needs immediate medical intervention.

Treatments for High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle Changes

Managing high blood pressure often starts with healthy lifestyle habits. These include:

  • Reducing sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day or less (ideally under 1,500 mg)

  • Avoiding sugary foods and beverages

  • Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and low-fat dairy

  • Cutting back on saturated and trans fats

  • Limiting red meat and choosing leaner cuts

  • Limiting alcohol (no more than one drink per day for women, two for men)

  • Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week

  • Managing stress and seeking help for anxiety if needed

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Quitting smoking

Consult with your healthcare provider to personalize your lifestyle plan for the best results.

Medications

If lifestyle changes are not enough, medications may be prescribed. Common options include:

  • ACE inhibitors

  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)

  • Beta blockers

  • Calcium channel blockers

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking medication. Possible side effects vary but may include dizziness, headaches, skin rash, or fatigue. Be sure to report any concerns to your provider.

Prevention

In many cases, high blood pressure is preventable. The same habits used to treat it can also help avoid its onset. To lower your risk:

  • Stay physically active

  • Eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet

  • Get adequate potassium, fiber, and protein

  • Limit salt and unhealthy fats

  • Maintain a healthy body weight

  • Limit alcohol consumption

  • Quit smoking

  • Reduce stress and sleep well

Related Conditions

If not treated, hypertension can gradually lead to severe health issues, including:

  • Heart problems: Such as heart attacks, angina, and heart failure. High blood pressure strains the heart and can damage arteries, reducing blood flow.

  • Stroke: Caused by reduced blood and oxygen supply to the brain.

  • Vision loss: Due to damage to blood vessels in the eyes.

  • Kidney disease or failure: Because of damage to kidney arteries, affecting blood filtration.

  • Sexual dysfunction: Reduced blood flow may lead to erectile dysfunction or low libido.

  • High cholesterol: Damaged vessels can allow LDL cholesterol to accumulate in artery walls.

  • Insulin resistance: A contributing factor to metabolic syndrome.

Living With High Blood Pressure

Many individuals live with hypertension without knowing it because symptoms are usually absent. However, untreated high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke—two leading causes of death.

The good news is that high blood pressure is manageable. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional and at-home blood pressure checks can help you stay informed.

Managing hypertension often involves long-term commitment to healthy habits, such as reducing salt, exercising regularly, and maintaining a balanced diet. In some cases, medication will be necessary to keep it under control and prevent complications.