Understanding Hypertension: Key Facts and Management Tips
February 18, 2025 | Tags:
What’s your blood pressure?
About 50% of Americans have high blood pressure, but many don’t even realize it. Here are a few important things to know about high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is consistently too high.
“It’s often called ‘the silent killer’ because most of the time, there are no obvious symptoms,” said Denise, a Clinical Quality Management Nurse at Medical Mutual.
Certain physical traits and lifestyle choices can put you at a greater risk for high blood pressure, including:
- Family history
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Chronic kidney disease
“When left untreated, high blood pressure can cause damage to your circulatory system and significantly contribute to a heart attack, stroke and other health threats,” Denise said.
What is considered normal?
Have your blood pressure tested to measure your level. The normal range for most adults is less than 120 systolic over less than 80 diastolic (<120/80 mm Hg), but talk to your doctor to discuss what’s right for you. A systolic measurement between 120-129 is considered to be elevated. Any reading above 130 systolic or 80 diastolic is entering the hypertension stage. Lifestyle changes and medication may be necessary to help lower your levels.
Regular sleep for regular blood pressure
Sticking to a regular sleep schedule may benefit your cardiovascular health. A recent study showed that people who vary their bedtimes or sleep in on the weekends are more likely to have high blood pressure than those with consistent sleep routines. The American Heart Association recommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
Keep your LDL l-o-w
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to try to keep your low-density cholesterol (LDL) low to decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke. Lipoprotein(a) can build up too much in your arteries and cause problems with your blood flow.
Lowering your blood pressure may be good for your brain
We know that lowering your blood pressure is good for your heart. New research suggests that intensive blood pressure treatment may help clear toxins and other byproducts from your brain, which potentially could reduce the risk of dementia.
Hypertension prevention
Living a healthy lifestyle can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Here are some things you can do to prevent high blood pressure:
- Eat a healthy diet: Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and foods rich in potassium, fiber, and protein.
- Maintain a healthy weight and body composition: Measure your waist to determine if your weight is in the healthy range.
- Get regular exercise: Get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week.
- Don't smoke: Smoking raises your blood pressure and puts you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke.
- Limit alcohol use: Limit yourself to no more than one alcoholic drink per day.
- Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep can help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.
Talk to your primary care provider
Make an appointment to see your primary care provider (PCP) to have your blood pressure checked and discuss any risks. If you don’t have a PCP, use the MedMutual Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan to find a PCP in your plan’s network.