Every beat tells your story. keep it beating strong.

Taking control of your blood pressure, one step at a time.

Maintaining heart health is key to overall well-being, as a healthy heart supports vital functions throughout the body. Conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes can put extra strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues. Preventive care, including regular check-ups, a balanced diet, physical activity, and managing stress, helps keep your heart in top shape. By prioritizing heart health, you can reduce the risk of long-term complications and live a healthier, more active life

Heart shaped grapefruit surrounded by healthy food, representing a heart healthy diet
A yellow stethoscope and a heart-shaped arrangement of red beads on a light pink background.
A person holding a red crocheted heart in their hands, with a soft blue background.

What is hypertension?

Blood is a fluid superhero that zips around our body via blood vessels known as arteries. These heroic arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen and energy to every organ in our body! But wait, there’s a villain lurking: high blood pressure. This sneaky foe, affecting around 75 million folks in the US, can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular nasties. In fact, in 2017-2018, about one-third of all peeps above the age of 20 had high blood pressure ratings and many were taking antihypertensive meds to keep things in check.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a grave health concern that impacts nearly 1 billion people globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that this number may increase to approximately 1.57 billion by 2025, according to a recent analysis.

Hypertension is like a pesky house guest that overstays their welcome. It’s when your blood pressure is sky-high, and you’re feeling the heat of stress. When your BP is above 140/90 mm, it’s time to show hypertension the door. Doctors measure it by checking your systolic and diastolic pressure – the first number is when your heart pumps blood, and the second is when it relaxes and refills.

A magnifying glass focusing on a cartoon heart surrounded by various heart shapes and a heart rate monitor graphic on a pink background.

Signs & Symptoms

Hypertension is a sneaky foe, lurking in the shadows with no apparent warning signs. That’s why it’s earned the nickname “the silent killer” since it can silently harm your heart and blood vessels.

If left unchecked, hypertension can even wreak havoc on your organs and lead to arteriosclerosis, where plaques narrow your blood vessels. Yikes!

If your systolic blood pressure hits 180 mmHg or higher, and the diastolic blood pressure reaches 110 mmHg or higher, then you’re facing a hypertensive crisis that requires urgent medical care.

A close-up view of a man's arm with a blood pressure cuff attached, alongside a digital blood pressure monitor displaying readings of 120 mmHg systolic and 59 mmHg diastolic, on a bright yellow background.

Causes

Types and Causes of Hypertension

There are two main types of hypertension:

  • Primary Hypertension: Also called essential hypertension, this is the most common type and has no identifiable cause.
  • Secondary Hypertension: This type results from another medical condition or the use of certain medications. It can be linked to issues like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, diabetes, and even substances such as amphetamines, antidepressants, or excessive caffeine.

What Contributes to High Blood Pressure?

Even healthy individuals can experience a spike in blood pressure due to stress or environmental factors. However, common lifestyle habits often play a bigger role. These include:

  • Lack of physical activity
  • Diets high in salt, unhealthy fats, or processed foods
  • Smoking or nicotine use
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

Making small, consistent changes can help lower your risk and support better long-term heart health.

Prevention & Testing

Let’s get to the heart of hypertension diagnosis. Typically, a doctor will whip out a sphygmomanometer to measure your blood pressure, and if they catch at least three high readings, it’s time to diagnose. But, that’s not all! Further tests like kidney ultrasounds, urine and blood tests, and even an electrocardiogram (also known as an ECG test) can help identify the root of the high blood pressure issue and any other related health hiccups.

Helpful Tips

Take charge of Hypertension with these tips:

  • Shedding extra pounds through a mix of diet and exercise can work wonders, as high blood pressure and obesity are linked.
  • Nourish your body with a wholesome diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
  • Ditch foods that are high in LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein).
  • Cut back on sodium intake by tweaking your diet.
  • Pump up your calcium and vitamin D intake.

Unchecked hypertension can be a ticking time bomb, but fret not! Regular exercise, coupled with a low-sodium diet, and potassium and calcium-rich foods can keep blood pressure in check. Stock up on low-fat protein, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and veggies to keep a Happy Healthy Heart!

Learn more about heart health at the American Heart Association.