Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects millions of people. It happens when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high over time. Even though you might not feel it, uncontrolled high blood pressure can quietly damage your heart, kidneys, and other organs.
In this article, we’ll explain what hypertension is, what causes it, the different types, symptoms you should watch for, how doctors diagnose it, and what treatments are available to keep it under control.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension means your blood is pushing too hard against the walls of your arteries. Your heart pumps blood through these vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body. When the pressure is too high for too long, it can cause health problems.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
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Systolic pressure: The top number, which shows how hard your heart is pumping blood.
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Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, which shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg. You are considered to have high blood pressure if your readings are consistently 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Hypertension is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms until it causes serious damage.
Causes and Types of Hypertension
There are two main types of hypertension:
Primary (essential) hypertension
This is the most common type, and it has no clear cause. It tends to develop over time and is linked to aging and lifestyle factors like:
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Being overweight
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Eating too much salt
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Not exercising enough
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Drinking too much alcohol
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Stress
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Smoking
Genetics also play a role. If your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, your chances of developing it are higher.
Secondary hypertension
This type is caused by another medical condition or medication. It often appears suddenly and can be more severe. Possible causes include:
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Kidney disease
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Hormone problems (like thyroid or adrenal issues)
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Certain medications (like birth control pills or cold remedies)
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Sleep apnea
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Drug or alcohol use
Treating the underlying problem usually helps bring the blood pressure down.
Symptoms to Watch For
Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms. That’s why it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have risk factors.
However, in some cases—especially if blood pressure gets very high—people might notice:
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Nosebleeds
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Blurry vision
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
These symptoms can also be signs of a more serious issue like a hypertensive crisis, heart attack, or stroke. If you ever feel these suddenly, seek medical help right away.
Even without symptoms, long-term high blood pressure can lead to:
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Heart attack or heart failure
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Stroke
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Kidney damage
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Vision loss
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Memory problems
That’s why it’s so important to treat hypertension, even if you feel fine.
How Hypertension Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing hypertension is simple and painless. It starts with measuring your blood pressure using a cuff around your arm. You may have this done at a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or even at home with a personal monitor.
Doctors usually want to see multiple high readings over time before diagnosing high blood pressure. One high result doesn’t always mean you have hypertension—it could just be from stress or being active.
If your blood pressure is high, your doctor may also:
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Review your medical history
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Ask about your diet, exercise, and lifestyle
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Order blood or urine tests
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Do an ECG (electrocardiogram) to check your heart
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Check for signs of damage to your heart or kidneys
You may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home or wear a 24-hour monitor (called ambulatory blood pressure monitoring) for a more accurate picture.
Treatment Options
The good news is that hypertension can be managed—and in many cases, improved—with the right treatment. Most people need a mix of lifestyle changes and medications.
Lifestyle Changes
Changing your daily habits can have a big impact on your blood pressure. Doctors often recommend:
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Eating a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is especially helpful.
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Reducing salt intake: Too much salt (sodium) causes your body to hold on to water, raising blood pressure. Try to limit salt to less than 1,500–2,300 mg per day.
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Exercising regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity (like walking, swimming, or cycling) on most days.
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Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can lower your blood pressure.
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Limiting alcohol: No more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 for men.
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Quitting smoking: Smoking raises your blood pressure and damages your blood vessels.
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Managing stress: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help.
These changes not only improve blood pressure—they also benefit your heart, brain, and overall health.
Medications
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medications. These include:
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Diuretics: Help your body get rid of extra salt and water.
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ACE inhibitors and ARBs: Relax blood vessels and reduce strain on the heart.
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Beta-blockers: Slow the heart rate and reduce how hard the heart works.
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Calcium channel blockers: Relax the muscles of your blood vessels.
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Other medications: Your doctor may combine two or more drugs to reach your target blood pressure.
It’s important to take medications exactly as prescribed, even if you feel fine. Stopping or skipping doses can lead to dangerous spikes in blood pressure.
Living With Hypertension
Having high blood pressure means you’ll need to keep an eye on your health for the long term. But with the right treatment and healthy habits, you can live a full, active life.
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Check your blood pressure regularly: Know your numbers and keep track of them at home.
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Follow up with your doctor: Keep appointments and discuss any side effects or concerns.
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Stick to your plan: Whether it’s medication, diet, or exercise, consistency is key.
You don’t have to do it alone—ask your doctor for support, and involve family or friends if you need help staying on track.
