High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs when the blood pressure in your arteries is consistently elevated, putting a strain on your heart and blood vessels.

If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, and other serious health problems. The good news is that managing your blood pressure is possible by making lifestyle changes and taking medications prescribed by your doctor. But first, you need to know your blood pressure values and ideal range.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by your blood against the walls of your arteries as it flows through them. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and reported as two numbers:.

The top number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats
The bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats

For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) means that your systolic pressure is 120 and your diastolic pressure is 80.

What Are the Ideal Blood Pressure Values?

The ideal blood pressure values for adults are:.

Systolic pressure: less than 120 mmHg
Diastolic pressure: less than 80 mmHg

If your blood pressure values are consistently higher than these values, you may have high blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help you manage your condition.

What Are the Different Types of High Blood Pressure?

There are two types of high blood pressure:.

Primary (essential) hypertension: This type of high blood pressure develops gradually over time and has no apparent cause.
Secondary hypertension: This type of high blood pressure is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, or thyroid problems.

What Are the Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, including:.

Age: Your risk of high blood pressure increases as you age.
Family history: If your family members have had high blood pressure, you may be more likely to develop it.
Race: African Americans are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure than other races.
Obesity or overweight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to high blood pressure.
Smoking: Smoking can damage your blood vessels and increase your blood pressure.
Stress: Emotional and mental stress can raise your blood pressure.
Unhealthy diet: Consuming too much sodium (salt) and too little potassium in your diet can contribute to high blood pressure.

How Can You Manage High Blood Pressure?

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition and your overall health. Treatment options may include:.

Lifestyle changes: Your doctor may recommend making changes to your diet, exercise routine, and stress management techniques.
Medications: There are several types of medications used to treat high blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and others.
Combination therapy: Some people may need to take more than one medication to manage their blood pressure.
Regular check-ups: It’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly to ensure that your treatment plan is working and to make adjustments if necessary.

What Are the Complications of High Blood Pressure?

If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can increase your risk of several serious health problems, including:.

Heart attack: High blood pressure can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Stroke: High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in your brain to burst or clog, leading to a stroke.
Kidney damage: High blood pressure can damage your kidneys and reduce their ability to function properly.
Vision loss: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your eyes and lead to vision loss.
Peripheral artery disease: High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in your legs, arms, stomach, and head to narrow, leading to peripheral artery disease.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a common health problem that can increase your risk of several serious health problems. Knowing your blood pressure values and ideal range is key to managing your condition and reducing your risk of complications.

If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that’s right for you.