What is what does it mean when you have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, means that the force of your blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this can damage your heart, blood vessels, and other organs like your kidneys and brain.

Here's a breakdown:

• What it is: Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number). Systolic pressure measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. <br> A normal blood pressure reading is typically below 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is generally defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher, according to current guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association.

• Why it's a problem: When your blood pressure is consistently high, your heart has to work harder to pump blood. This can lead to:

  • Heart Disease: High blood pressure can damage your arteries, making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart, leading to conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.

  • Stroke: High blood pressure can weaken blood vessels in your brain, making them more likely to burst or become blocked, which can lead to a stroke.

  • Kidney Disease: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to kidney failure.

  • Other health problems: High blood pressure also can cause eye damage, sexual dysfunction, and peripheral artery disease.

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

  • Age
  • Family history
  • Race (African Americans are at a higher risk)
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking
  • High sodium intake
  • Low potassium intake
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Stress
  • Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease

• Symptoms: Often, high blood pressure has no symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. This is why it's often called the "silent killer." Some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath, but these symptoms aren't specific and usually don't occur until blood pressure has reached a severe stage.

• Management: High blood pressure can be managed through lifestyle changes (such as diet, exercise, and stress management) and/or medication. Regular monitoring of your blood pressure is essential.