[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/12\/high-blood-pressure\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/12\/high-blood-pressure\/","headline":"Am I at Risk for High Blood Pressure?","name":"Am I at Risk for High Blood Pressure?","description":"Updated December 30, 2020 High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common condition among American adults. And it’s one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease and serious complications such as heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure is very common and potentially dangerous. However, it often does not cause noticeable symptoms […]","datePublished":"2013-12-17","dateModified":"2021-02-17","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/high-blood-pressure.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/high-blood-pressure.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/12\/high-blood-pressure\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":803,"keywords":["alcohol","Black American","blood pressure","diabetes","diastolic blood pressure","drink water","exercise","family history","heart-healthy diet","high blood pressure","high sodium diet","hypertension","obesity","pre-hypertension","quit smoking","smoker","systolic blood pressure"],"articleBody":"Updated December 30, 2020High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common condition among American adults. And it’s one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease and serious complications such as heart attack and stroke.High blood pressure is very common and potentially dangerous. However, it often does not cause noticeable symptoms that are severe enough to prompt a visit to your doctor. Here’s what you need to know about high blood pressure, its symptoms, and how it is treated.What is High Blood Pressure?When your doctor checks your blood pressure, he or she measures the force your blood exerts as it pushes against the walls of your arteries.Blood pressure readings are usually given as two numbers \u2014 120 over 80 for example \u2014 and written as 120\/80 mmHg. The top number is called the\u00a0systolic blood pressure\u00a0and the bottom is called the\u00a0diastolic blood pressure. One or both of these numbers can be too high.It is normal for your\u00a0blood pressure\u00a0to fluctuate based on the time of day. With that in mind:If your blood pressure is 120\/80 mmHg or most of the time, it is considered to be normal.If your blood pressure is 140\/90 mmHg or higher most of the time, it is considered high blood pressure or hypertension.If your blood pressure is over 120\/80 mmHg, but below 140\/90 mmHg most of the time, it is considered pre-hypertension.Hypertension Risk FactorsThere are many factors that affect blood pressure including:The amount of salt and water in your bodyYour hormone levelsThe condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vesselsYou Have an Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure if You:Are of Black American descentHave a family history of high blood pressureHave diabetesAre a\u00a0smokerAre obeseDrink too much\u00a0alcohol\u00a0(more than one drink per day for women; more than two drinks per day for men)Consume too much salt in your dietAre often stressed or anxiousWhat Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?High blood pressure often does not cause noticeable symptoms. As a result, many people don’t realize they have high blood pressure until they visit their doctor’s office for an unrelated health issue \u2014 or until they experience a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke.However, very high blood pressure of 180\/120 or greater is a medical emergency called a\u00a0hypertensive crisis. If you are having a hypertensive crisis, you may have symptoms including:Blurry vision or other vision problemsDizzinessLightheadednessSevere headachesNosebleedShortness of breathChest discomfort or painA feeling of anxiety or that something is not rightIf you have any of these symptoms, you should call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency department right away.Why is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?High blood pressure is dangerous because it adds to your heart’s workload, and over time, your heart may become enlarged and not be able to meet your body’s needs.High blood pressure also affects your arteries. The arteries harden as we get older, and high blood pressure accelerates this process. Sometimes hardened arteries can become narrowed by a buildup of plaque. This condition is called\u00a0atherosclerosis. If left unchecked, this can lead to chest pain, heart disease, heart attack, or even death.How Can I Find Out if I Have High Blood Pressure?Having your blood pressure checked regularly is the first step. If you have normal blood pressure, you should have it checked at least once a year. If your blood pressure is elevated or if you are being treated for hypertension, you should have it checked more often.Checking your blood pressure using a home monitor and keeping track of your results over time may help you identify it more quickly. However, it is a good idea to bring your home blood pressure monitor to your doctor’s office so he or she can make sure it is accurate and works properly.What Can I do About High Blood Pressure?The good news is that high blood pressure is preventable, treatable, and there are many things you can do to control your blood pressure including:Eating a\u00a0heart-healthy diet\u00a0and drinking plenty of water.Exercising regularly, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy body weight.Limiting your salt and alcohol intake.Quitting smoking.Research shows that making these lifestyle changes can lower your blood pressure by 10-20 mmHg or more. Blood pressure in the elevated range of 120\/80 to 129\/80 \u2014 and even mildly high blood pressure \u2014 can sometimes return to normal in response to lifestyle changes alone.If you think you may have or be at risk for high blood pressure, consult your primary care physician or visit UPMC’s\u00a0Heart and Vascular Institute.Learn more about your heart health by attending a free\u00a0heart screening\u00a0event."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2013","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"12","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/\/12\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Am I at Risk for High Blood Pressure?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/12\/high-blood-pressure\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]