What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It's recorded as two numbers — for example, 120/80 mmHg:
- Systolic pressure (the top number): the pressure when your heart beats
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number): the pressure when your heart rests between beats
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is generally defined as a reading consistently at or above 130/80 mmHg. It is sometimes called the "silent killer" because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms, even while silently damaging blood vessels and organs over time.
Blood Pressure Classification (General Reference)
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | Less than 80 |
| High (Stage 1) | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| High (Stage 2) | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| Crisis (seek care immediately) | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
What Causes Hypertension?
In most cases, there is no single identifiable cause — this is called primary (essential) hypertension, and it develops gradually over years. Risk factors include:
- Family history of hypertension
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Being overweight or obese
- High salt intake
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress
- Smoking
Secondary hypertension is caused by an identifiable condition such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, or certain medications. Your doctor will assess whether an underlying cause needs to be addressed.
Why Does It Matter?
Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts strain on the heart and blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of:
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Vision problems
- Peripheral artery disease
How Is It Treated?
Lifestyle Changes (First Line of Defense)
For many people with mildly elevated blood pressure, lifestyle modifications can be enough:
- Reducing salt intake to under 5–6 grams per day
- Following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy (the DASH diet is well-studied)
- Exercising regularly — at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
- Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking
- Managing weight
Medications
When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, doctors may prescribe antihypertensive medications. Common classes include ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and beta-blockers. The right medication depends on individual health factors — always follow your doctor's guidance.
Getting Checked
Because hypertension has no symptoms, regular blood pressure checks are essential. We recommend adults have their blood pressure measured at least once a year. If you have risk factors, more frequent monitoring may be advised. Contact Higashimachi Clinic to schedule a check-up.