Did you know that nearly half of adults have high blood pressure (higher than 130/80) or are taking medication to control it, yet, only about one-fifth of people with high blood pressure have it under control.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most significant preventable risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss and other serious conditions. It contributes to more than 650,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
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Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your artery walls as your heart pumps.
It’s measured with two numbers:
“It’s vital for people to know their numbers,” says Shannon Walker Ike, MD, an Emory Healthcare cardiologist. “If you know your blood pressure trends, you’re empowered to make changes that protect your heart long before you develop serious disease.”
Here are the numbers to know when it comes to testing your blood pressure:
In fact, the American Heart Association recently updated its high blood pressure guidelines, emphasizing earlier and more aggressive treatment to prevent cardiovascular damage. This included lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, weight management, no smoking/vaping, and physicians potentially prescribing medication sooner.
The new American Heart Association guidelines also address specific needs such as controlling blood pressure during pregnancy and recognizing greater risks for dementia and stroke.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when blood flows through your arteries with too much force, causing microscopic tears in artery walls. Although your body repairs these tears, scar tissue can trap plaque and white blood cells, leading to narrowed or blocked arteries, blood clots, and stiffened, weakened vessels. The result: reduced blood flow and heart tissue damage, causing your heart to work harder.
Over time, this can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease and cognitive decline.
“High blood pressure can be acute or chronic, and both can be harmful,” Dr. Walker says. “A hypertensive crisis — when blood pressure skyrockets — can cause permanent damage to the heart, brain, eyes or kidneys in a matter of hours. But chronically elevated pressure does micro-damage every single day.”
This is why high blood pressure is sometimes called a “silent killer,” since it can be hurting you even if you don’t feel it.
“High blood pressure is often asymptomatic, but people can still have symptoms when their blood pressure goes higher, such as chest pain, blurry vision or headache,” Dr. Walker says. “These can be signals to test at home with a cuff and monitor.”
If left untreated, hypertension significantly increases your risk of serious, potentially life-threatening conditions, including:
“High blood pressure is a marker of underlying stress on your body,” Dr. Walker says. “Even modest elevations over the years can destroy organ systems. It’s a disease of your vascular system, which means it impacts your entire body.”
Taking action can lower your risk of serious complications. “I want people to truly know what their numbers are so they can be informed,” Dr. Walker says. “It doesn’t mean you automatically need medication. Lifestyle modifications can go a long way, and those same healthy habits reduce your risk of stroke, diabetes, cancer and heart disease.”
Lifestyle changes that support healthy blood pressure:
Eat a heart-healthy diet.
Focus on eating more whole grains, lean protein, colorful vegetables and fruits, and reducing sodium, saturated/trans fats and added sugars. DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean-style diets are excellent starting points.
Be physically active.
Aim for 90–150 minutes per week of moderate activity. “A walk is a good start,” Walker says. “If you’re walking, you should break a sweat at some point. You can do three 10-minute walks per day to hit your target.”
Manage your stress.
Chronic stress can raise blood pressure.
Limit alcohol.
Even small amounts of alcohol can raise blood pressure, and this effect compounds over time. Conversely, even modest reductions in alcohol intake among moderate drinkers are associated with meaningful improvements.
Avoid tobacco smoke.
“Smoking is one of the most significant factors for high blood pressure,” Dr. Walker says. “And it’s preventable.”
Increase potassium.
Foods like bananas, spinach and sweet potatoes are good sources of the nutrient potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
Get your blood pressure checked regularly: at least once every two years if your readings are under 120/80 and more often if they’re elevated.
Consider monitoring your blood pressure at home to track trends over time. Measure consistently at the same time each day, during a calm period — such as before breakfast or before bed. Sit with your feet on the ground. Raise your arm to the level of your heart by resting it on a chair arm, table or pillow. Always take your blood pressure on the same arm.
Your at-home blood pressure readings can be helpful to share with your doctor, who can work with you to determine lifestyle changes or medication are needed.
Walker stresses that young people with hypertension or those with early onset high blood pressure should be evaluated carefully.
“If you’re a young person diagnosed with high blood pressure, you might need a secondary workup to check for underlying causes like thyroid issues, hormonal disturbances or sleep apnea,” she says. “Fix the underlying issue and you may be able to lower your blood pressure. We often do these evaluations in cardiology as part of a more comprehensive assessment.”
She also notes that women with high blood pressure during pregnancy — even if it resolves after delivery — may have higher long-term cardiovascular risk and should be monitored accordingly.
Your blood pressure is more than just a number. It’s an indicator of how well your heart and blood vessels are holding up under pressure.
“Knowing your numbers gives you autonomy over your health,” Dr. Walker says. “If you’re 30, 40, 60 or beyond, understanding your blood pressure helps you live longer and healthier. It’s information that truly matters.”
When it comes to the heart, expertise matters most. Emory Heart & Vascular has a national reputation for treating simple to serious heart conditions using the most advanced treatment options and therapies available. These advancements offer a solution to patients that can’t be found anywhere else.
Our heart specialists have pioneered many procedures now practiced widely around the world, while continuing to set the standard of care through developing innovation and pushing boundaries. This ensures more treatment options and better outcomes for everyone. When it comes to matters of the heart, whether it's yours or a loved one's, nothing matters more than receiving the absolute best care. With more than 150 physicians in 23 locations, Emory Heart & Vascular brings that care close to home.
