Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Apr 4

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as they carry blood away from your heart. Chronically elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, puts a strain on the arteries and the heart and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) define normal and abnormal blood pressure as noted in the table below (1). This definition is slightly more aggressive than the European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension or the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ≥140 mmHg or diastolic pressure ≥90 mmHg. Admittedly, these ranges shift slightly over the years as we learn more and as our treatment goals becomes more targeted (ie best range for those over 65yo, or for those with known cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease).

Blood Pressure Category Systolic Blood Pressure Diastolic Blood Pressure

Normal <120 mmHg <80 mmHg

Elevated 120-129 mmHg <80 mmHg

Hypertension

Stage 1 130-139 mmHg 80-89 mmHg

Stage 2 ≥140 mmHg ≥90 mmHg

Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%) have hypertension or are taking medication for hypertension (2). Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms and it is only through a screening blood pressure check that they discover the issue. The US preventative Services Task Force recommends screening for hypertension every year in adults 40 years or older and in adults with increased risk. For adults 18-29 years who are not at increased risk for hypertension, screening less frequently (every 3-5 years) is appropriate (3). Some risk factors for hypertension include family history, increasing age, black race, obesity, or lifestyle factors such as a high sodium diet, physical inactivity, too much alcohol, or tobacco use.

You can get your blood pressure checked several ways: here at Remedy (we do our best to have a calming presence!), at a pharmacy, or with a home blood pressure monitor you can use yourself (check out options at https://www.validatebp.org). To get an accurate reading, sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 10 minutes before the reading. Put both feet flat on the ground and rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height (heart level). The blood pressure cuff should be against your skin and not over clothing and avoid talking during the measurement (4).

If your blood pressure is high, it is handy to write down various readings at different times of day and keep a log so you can discuss with me reagrding next steps for treatment. Often you can start with some lifestyle adjustments (such as a low salt diet or increased exercise), but there are several medications that can improve your blood pressure if needed. With a normal blood pressure, your chances of living longer and healthier are that much better!

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