High Blood Pressure

Symptoms

DEFINITION

• Systolic blood pressure greater than 140 or
• Diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 or
• Taking medications for high blood pressure

General Information

• Systolic vs Diastolic: The blood pressure (BP) reading is written as two numbers, the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. For example, if a person had a BP of 130/65, then 130 would be the systolic blood pressure and 65 would be the diastolic blood pressure.
• Definition of High Blood Pressure: An adult has hypertension (high blood pressure) if the blood pressure (BP) readings consistently show a BP greater than 140/90, that is, a systolic BP over 140 OR a diastolic BP over 90.
• Untreated hypertension may cause damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
• Automatic home BP measurement devices can sometimes be unreliable. You should check your BP in both arms. If there is another adult in the home, consider checking his/her BP to see if the device is functioning correctly. If there is any doubt, go in to your doctor's office to get your blood pressure checked.

Blood Pressure Classification in Adults

• Normal: less than 120/80
• Prehypertension: between 120-139/80-89
• Hypertension - Stage 1: between 140-159/90-99
• Hypertension - Stage 2: greater than 159/99

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• CHEST PAIN
• HEADACHE

Should I Call?

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Care at Home

HOME CARE ADVICE

General Care Advice for High Blood Pressure

1. General:
   • Untreated high blood pressure may cause damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
   • Treatment of high blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.
   • The goal of blood pressure treatment for most patients with hypertension is to keep the blood pressure under 140/90.
2. BP 120-139 / 80-89
   • This is considered borderline high blood pressure, or "prehypertension".
   • Sometimes, changes in your lifestyle can reduce your blood pressure without medications.
   • If your blood pressure stays elevated during the next month, you should go in to see the doctor and get your blood pressure checked.
3. BP less than 120 / 80
   • This is considered normal blood pressure
4. Lifestyle Changes - The following lifestyle changes can help you reduce your blood pressure:
   • Maintain a healthy weight. Lose weight if you are overweight.
   • Do 30 minutes of aerobic physical activity (e.g., brisk walking) most days of the week.
   • Eat a diet high in fresh fruits and low fat dairy products. Limit your intake of saturated and total fat. Choose foods that are lower in salt.
   • If you smoke, you should stop.
   • If you drink alcohol, you should limit your daily alcohol drinking. Women should have no more than one drink per day. Men should have no more than 2 drinks per day. A drink is defined as 1.5 oz hard liquor (one shot or jigger), 5 oz wine (small glass), or 12 oz beer (one can).
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Headache, blurred vision, difficulty talking or difficulty walking occurs
   • Chest pain or difficulty breathing occurs
   • You want to go in to the office for a blood pressure check
   • You become worse

Missed Dose of Pressure Medication

1. What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Your Blood Pressure Medication:
   • Generally, you should take a missed dose as soon as you remember.
   • If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
   • Do NOT take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
2. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Headache, blurred vision, difficulty talking or difficulty walking occurs
   • Chest pain or difficulty breathing occurs
   • You want to go in to the office for a blood pressure check
   • You become worse

Internet Resource - National High Blood Pressure Education Program

1. My Blood Pressure Wallet Card. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/hbpwallet.htm
2. Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/hbp_low/index.htm

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.