What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls. Your heart generates this force each time it beats and pumps blood from the heart into the blood vessels. When you have high blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, the force of blood is too strong, making the heart work harder to move blood.
Types of high blood pressure
There are two main types of high blood pressure, or hypertension:
- Primary hypertension: This is the most common type of high blood pressure. Also known as essential hypertension, primary hypertension is not caused by another medical condition but can develop over time as you age.
- Secondary hypertension: This type of high blood pressure is caused by other medical issues or certain medications.
Primary and secondary hypertension can also fall into one of three sub-types:
- Resistant hypertension: This form does not improve with treatment or needs multiple types of medication to manage.
- Malignant hypertension: This form is severe and can damage your organs.
- Isolated systolic hypertension: This occurs when your systolic pressure goes above 140 and your diastolic pressure drops below 90.
High blood pressure symptoms
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Over time, it can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes and other organs and increase your risk of health conditions, such as heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
You can control high blood pressure, however, and help prevent these problems.
What causes high blood pressure?
Primary hypertension can develop for many reasons, mainly due to your lifestyle and certain health conditions.
Common causes include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating a high-salt diet
- Having high cholesterol
- Not getting enough exercise
Secondary hypertension originates from at least one identifiable cause.
Common triggers include:
- Certain medications, including immunosuppressants, some pain relievers, and oral contraceptives
- Kidney disease
- Sleep apnea
- Diabetes
- Recreational drug use
- Smoking
Risk factors for hypertension
High blood pressure can also develop due to causes that are beyond your control, such as:
- Age: More than half of all Americans 60 and older have high blood pressure.
- Family history: Having family members with high blood pressure or heart disease increases your risk.
- Race: African American people are more likely than people of other races to have high blood pressure.
- Medical conditions: Having specific medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea or thyroid disease.
It’s not possible to change your race, age or family history. However, you can work with your healthcare providers to manage health conditions and lifestyle habits that increase your risk and prevent those conditions from raising your blood pressure.
What are the complications of high blood pressure?
Because high blood pressure can harden or narrow arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart, it can lead to many other health complications, including:
- Heart attack or stroke: High blood pressure puts extra strain on arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain and heart.
- Aneurysm: High blood pressure creates inflammation and stress on arteries that can increase your chances of developing an aneurysm.
- Heart failure: High blood pressure can cause structural changes and damage to the heart over time.
- Kidney problems: Narrow or damaged blood vessels can prevent the kidneys from removing waste and other fluids from the body.
- Eye problems: Unhealthy blood vessels can damage the retina (known as hypertensive retinopathy) and lead to blurred vision, vision loss and optic nerve damage.
- Metabolic syndrome: This is a group of health conditions that occur together, such as high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar.
Diagnosing high blood pressure
You can learn if your blood pressure is high by checking it regularly at home or by your healthcare provider.
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: This refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body.
- Diastolic pressure: This refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is at rest.
When you have a blood pressure reading, the numbers are provided in millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg, a measure of how high the mercury column in the blood pressure cuff rises. You may have high blood pressure if your systolic or diastolic readings are consistently above normal levels.
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Blood pressure categories
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health defines healthy and high blood pressure for adults as:
Normal blood pressure
- Less than 120 mm Hg (systolic)
- Less than 80 mm Hg (diastolic)
Elevated blood pressure
- 120-129 mm Hg (systolic)
- Less than 80 mm Hg (diastolic)
High blood pressure
- 130 mm Hg or higher (systolic)
- 80 mm Hg or higher (diastolic)
Note: These numbers are only a guide. Your doctor can tell you whether you have normal, high or elevated blood pressure based on these numbers and other factors that influence your overall health.
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Taking your blood pressure at home
If your blood pressure is high, your provider may recommend getting a home blood pressure monitor so you can check it regularly in a comfortable environment. You can also check your blood pressure using machines at pharmacies or health fairs.
If you purchase a home monitor, these tips can help ensure accurate blood pressure readings.
- Choose the correct cuff size.
- Empty your bladder before taking your blood pressure.
- Sit quietly for at least five minutes before you take your blood pressure.
- Put the cuff on your bare arm.
- Support your arm at heart level.
- Sit with your legs uncrossed and feet flat on the floor.
- Don’t talk while you’re taking the reading.
High blood pressure treatment
Treatment for high blood pressure involves lifestyle changes and medications. Healthcare providers tailor treatment based on your blood pressure readings, the causes of your high blood pressure, and your underlying conditions.
Lifestyle changes
You may be able to control high blood pressure with these healthy lifestyle changes:
- Control stress: Stress can cause you to engage in habits, such as eating unhealthy foods and drinking too much alcohol, which can affect your blood pressure.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Choose foods that are low in salt and low in saturated fat.
- Get plenty of exercise: The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activities, such as walking, every week. Add strength training exercises, such as weightlifting, twice a week.
- Limit your alcohol intake: Men should drink only two drinks a day, and women should drink only one.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of your weight compared with your height. Aim for a BMI score between 18 to 25.
- Quit smoking if you smoke: Cigarette smoke damages your heart as much as it damages your lungs.
Medications
If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, your provider may prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure. Some types of blood pressure medications act on the heart and blood vessels. Others remove excess fluid or salt from the body.
To help your medication(s) work as well as possible:
- Take your medication at the same time each day.
- Write yourself notes, use an alarm or keep your pills by your toothbrush to remember to take them.
- Ask your provider what you should do if you miss a pill.
- Never stop taking your medication unless your provider tells you to. Stopping on your own could be harmful.
Find a location near you
Being proactive about your health goes a long way to helping you avoid high blood pressure and its many complications. Your cardiologists can work with you to keep your blood pressure under control.
Baylor Scott & White cardiologists are available at our many heart and vascular locations throughout Central and North Texas.
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates Pediatrics - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 110, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4100, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine - Wylie
600 Cooper Dr Ste 100, Wylie, TX, 75098
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Pediatric and Adolescent Associates - Murphy
511 W FM 544 Ste 201, Murphy, TX, 75094
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville
201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Ste 600, Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Ste 210, Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group – Frisco at PGA Parkway II
16050 Everwell Ln Ste 200, Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 101, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco
9990 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road
6601 Preston Rd , Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway
5655 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 155, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano
6000 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 220, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco at Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 450, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 465, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 450 , Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite
5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Global Heart Health Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Rhythm Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Aortic Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Genetics Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White 65+ Clinic
4716 Alliance Blvd Ste 500, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Castle Hills
1700 FM 544 Ste 200, Lewisville, TX, 75056
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm