Hypertension

The blood pumping through your circulatory system is under pressure. Hypertension occurs when the force of the pressure is abnormally high. Your blood pressure normally increases with age, and you are more likely at risk for hypertension once you reach age 45, although it can develop in younger people.

Blood pressure is measured using an arm cuff that is inflated and sensors read the pressure of your blood beating against the arteries, in the form of two numbers. Your systolic pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats, and is the higher of the two. The second, diastolic, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is about 120/80 for an adult; and it’s normal for blood pressure to fluctuate depending on physical activity or emotional state at time of reading.

Elevated blood pressure can cause a lot of problems, including:

• heart failure
• kidney failure
• stroke
• vision problems and blindness
• damage to blood vessels
• damage to brain

Despite the statistics, hypertension is preventable and treatable. Medication has proven to be an effective treatment. There are several types of blood pressure medications available, including diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors and more. If you need medication, speak with your physician to learn which will work best for you.

You can help prevent hypertension by:

• eating healthy
• getting plenty of exercise
• losing weight
• quitting smoking
• quitting or reducing alcohol intake

Learn about Sentara Health Plans wellness and activity programs

Learn about the DASH Diet for healthy eating

Million Hearts®: Heart-Healthy Recipes

WebMD®: Hypertension Support & Resources

Krames Patient Education: Controlling High Blood Pressure

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: High Blood Pressure and Symptoms

Mended Hearts: High Blood Pressure

Cleveland Clinic: Hypertension and Nutrition

Mayo Clinic: A Drug-Free Approach to Lowering High Blood Pressure