High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when your blood pushes too hard against your arteries. It can happen without you feeling anything, but it makes your heart work too much. Untreated, it can lead to other serious medical conditions over time.
High Blood Pressure: Managing Hypertension with Confidence
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- High Blood Pressure: Managing Hypertension with Confidence
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent force that can erode your health without warning. Because it often has no symptoms, regular check-ups are essential.
At Altais, we don’t just treat hypertension — we manage your health as a whole.
Our team works together to address your blood pressure and any related medical conditions, coordinating care across specialists and ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Your heart works hard for you. Give it the care it deserves.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, which is written as mmHg. When you get a reading, you see two numbers. The first one is the systolic pressure, and the second is the diastolic pressure. These numbers tell you how hard your heart is working and how much pressure is in your arteries when it’s resting.
The systolic pressure is the top number. It shows the force in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood out to your body. The diastolic pressure is the bottom number. It’s the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. Together, these numbers give you a clear picture of your blood pressure.
A normal systolic pressure is under 120, and a normal diastolic pressure is under 80. If your numbers are higher, it might mean your heart is working too hard.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hypertension is divided into two main types: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Each type has its own set of causes and risk factors.
Primary Hypertension
Primary hypertension is the most common type. It develops over time without a clear cause, but there can be contributing factors.
One major factor is the slow buildup of plaque in your arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis. Over the years, it makes your arteries narrower and less flexible, which increases the pressure on your heart.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension is caused by another health problem. Unlike primary hypertension, it often has a direct cause. Some of the conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension include the following:
- Tumors in the adrenal gland
- Congenital heart defects
- Kidney disorders
- Use of narcotics like MDMA, amphetamines, or cocaine
- Certain prescription drugs or over-the-counter cold medicines
- Thyroid disorders
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Risk Factors
Some people are more likely to develop hypertension than others. Here are the key risk factors:
- Age: The older you are, the higher your risk.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on your heart.
- Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and raises your blood pressure.
- Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle makes your heart work harder.
- Family History: If close relatives have hypertension, you’re more likely to have it too.
- Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress can raise your blood pressure over time.
- Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk.
- High-Sodium Diet: Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure.
Symptoms and Complications
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms, especially in its early stages. Many people don’t know they have it until they have a blood pressure reading or it reaches a critical stage. That’s why it’s important to understand your blood pressure numbers and what they mean.
Blood Pressure Categories
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number). Here are five categories of blood pressure:
- Low Blood Pressure: Lower than 90 systolic and 60 diastolic (this is called hypotension).
- Normal Blood Pressure: Lower than 120 systolic and 80 diastolic.
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Between 120 and 129 systolic, and below 80 diastolic.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: Between 130 and 139 systolic, and 80 and 89 diastolic.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: Higher than 140 systolic, or higher than 90 diastolic.
When blood pressure rises above 180 systolic and 120 diastolic, it’s called a hypertensive crisis – a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
When High Blood Pressure Becomes Dangerous
Most people with hypertension don’t have symptoms, even when their blood pressure is dangerously high. Symptoms usually only appear in the later stages. These can include the following:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blurred vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to check your blood pressure right away.
Diagnosing Hypertension
A hypertension diagnosis is straightforward but critical for your health. It starts with understanding your numbers and tracking them over time.
Routine Screenings and Check-Ups
Regular visits to your doctor are key to catching high blood pressure early. During these appointments, your blood pressure is measured using a simple cuff. It’s quick, painless, and one of the most important steps in protecting your health.
Monitoring at Home and in Clinic
High blood pressure care at home can help you stay on top of your health. Combined with regular clinic visits, this gives a full picture of how your heart is doing. Consistency is the key to accurate diagnosis and treatment.
High Blood Pressure Treatment at Altais
At Altais, we focus on comprehensive care to help you manage and lower your blood pressure.
Lifestyle Changes and Prevention
Small changes can make a big difference. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can help lower your blood pressure. Prevention is always better than high blood pressure treatment.
Medications and Ongoing Monitoring
Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough. In these cases, medications may be prescribed to help control your blood pressure. Regular monitoring ensures your high blood pressure treatment plan is working effectively.
Coordinated Cardiovascular Support
Hypertension affects your entire cardiovascular system. That’s why we provide coordinated care, working with blood pressure specialists to give you the best possible support. Your heart deserves a team that works together.
Hypertension doesn’t have to control your life. With the right care and support, you can manage it effectively. Start today. Your heart will thank you.