Hypertension is the formal name for high blood pressure; the two terms are often used interchangeably by healthcare professionals. Blood pressure refers to the pressure of your blood as it pushes against the walls of your arteries. Your arteries are a crucial component in this process, as they carry your blood and other vital materials from your heart to other parts of your body. On any given day, your blood pressure may rise and fall as you move through regular activities. While it is normal for it to fluctuate, high blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition in which your blood pressure is consistently at higher levels than normal, regardless of the activity.

Usually, blood pressure is measured using two key numbers. The first number is called systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries as your heart beats. The second number is known as diastolic blood pressure, and it measures the pressure in your arteries as your heart rests in between beats. When a healthcare professional is taking your blood pressure, if the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you may hear that your blood pressure is “120 over 80,” or see “120/80 mmHg” written out on paper. This is because a reading of 120 over 80 is considered the normal range for blood pressure.
 
However, if your blood pressure consistently reads as 130/80 mm/hg or higher, that may mean you have high blood pressure. This is the main indicator, or symptom, of hypertension. In most cases, hypertension does not present obvious signs or symptoms, which is why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you’re an older adult or are at high risk for cardiovascular disease or issues. If your hypertension becomes severe, you may experience symptoms such as: severe headaches, chest pain, vision problems, confusion, fatigue, or blood in your urine. If this is the case, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Generally, hypertension is something that develops over time. Some people may be at higher risk for high blood pressure, including older adults, people with obesity, or those with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Stress levels in your everyday life can also be a main contributor to high blood pressure. If you’re diagnosed with hypertension, one of the first recommendations (apart from managing other potential conditions) may be to reduce or manage stress in your life.

High blood pressure is considered a chronic disease, meaning there is no way to completely cure it. However, with the right treatment and supervision by a professional, it can be properly managed over time. Usually, the recommended medication will need to be taken daily, and you will need to follow up regularly with a physician. In addition to medication, there are some lifestyle changes you may need to make, such as improving your diet, increasing daily movement, or reducing and managing stress, as stress can have an impact on your blood pressure. Regardless of the extent of your high blood pressure, it’s important that you manage it and develop a rapport with a physician that knows you and your health history. Over time, high blood pressure can lead to serious issues, causing problems with the vital organs like your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

If you are struggling with hypertension and need care, the team at Coastal Primary Care can help. Don’t hesitate to contact us today. We can test your blood pressure, examine your health history, and discuss strategies with you to manage and treat your hypertension over time. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We are located at 314 Franklin Ave, Ste 103, Berlin MD 21811. We serve patients from Berlin MD, Ocean City MD, Salisbury MD, Ocean Pines MD, Pocomoke MD, Newark MD, Fruitland MD, Snow Hill MD, and Selbyville DE.