About Hypertension

• What is blood pressure?
• What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
• When is Blood Pressure Too High?
• Who Gets High Blood Pressure?
• What You Can Do
• Where to find help?

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the measurement of the force of blood against the arteries
as the heart pumps blood through the body. Without some pressure in the
blood vessels, blood would not make it around your body – from your feet
and legs back to your heart or from your heart, to your brain.

Back to top

What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

When the blood flows through the vessels at a greater than normal force, it
becomes a disease called hypertension. Hypertension is the “silent killer” because it doesn’t make you look or feel sick at first, but it is damaging your organs and hurting your health.

If you have hypertension, you are at risk for:

• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Stress-related diseases
• Diabetes
• Kidney failure
• Many other serious diseases

Back to top

When is Blood Pressure Too High?

In general, blood pressure is too high if it measures above 140/90 (140 over 90) most of the time. The higher your blood pressure, the greater your chance of having a stroke.

The top number (systolic blood pressure) shows the force of the blood in your vessels when your heart pumps. The bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) shows the force of the blood in your vessels when your heart is between beats.

Normal Blood Pressure

Below 120/80

Pre-Hypertension

Between 120/80 and 139/89

Hypertension

140/90 and above

Back to top

Who Gets High Blood Pressure?

Anyone can get high blood pressure! However, the disease most often strikes
those who are:

• African American, Asian, or Latino

  African Americans need to be especially careful because hypertension:

  • Starts at an earlier age
  • Tends to be more severe
  • Is the leading cause of preventable death
• Heavy drinkers
• Middle-aged or elderly (however, being young does not mean you are safe; children and teenagers can also get high blood pressure)
• Inactive, not exercising
• Overweight
• Smokers
• Taking drugs such as decongestants, diet pills or birth control pills

Back to top

What You Can Do

In addition to visiting your doctor regularly, there is a lot you can do to prevent high blood pressure.

Back to top

Eat Smart

A low-fat diet will help. Build your meals around grains, vegetables and fruits. If you eat red meat, make it a rare treat, and go easy on the salt (ask your doctor how much salt is too much for you). Stay away from processed foods such as bologna, salami or cheese, salty foods such as salt pork, ham hocks, or hot sauce, and snacks such as potato chips and pickles. Be regular and consistent in your diet -- develop a plan and stick to it.

Back to top

Exercise

Brisk walking, bicycling, and dancing are great for your blood pressure. Just 20 or 30 minutes most days will help. If you haven't been very active for a long time, though, check with your doctor first. Then start slowly and build up gradually.

Back to top

Don't Smoke

Smoking kills. Period. The nicotine in cigarette smoke raises your blood pressure and directly damages your arteries. Once you quit, your body begins to repair itself. If you can't quit "cold turkey," try a smoking cessation program. They help.

Back to top

Watch Your Weight

If you weigh more than your should, drop those extra pounds. Regular exercise and smart eating will help. Do it slowly, though, and set reasonable goals for yourself. Stay clear of "crash" diets. They almost always fail. Ask your doctor what your weight goal should be.

Back to top

Be Careful with Alcohol

Studies show that a little alcohol may in fact be good for your heart. But too much can raise your blood pressure. What's too much? For men, more than two drinks a day; for women, more than one. A drink is a can of beer, a glass of wine, or one shot of hard liquor. But even a little alcohol may be too much for you if you're taking medication for high blood pressure. Alcohol can intensify the effect of some of these drugs. If you take medicine for high blood pressure and you also drink alcohol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects.

Back to top

Reduce Stress

Too much stress, on the job or at home, is bad for your heart. It raises your blood pressure, and if it's already high, that can be dangerous. Exercise helps. Take breaks during the day to calm down. Set reasonable goals for yourself. Relax through deep breathing or meditation. And take time out for yourself.

Back to top

Where to find help?

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Resources:
Health Match
(510) 869-6777

Health Ministry/Parish Nurse Program
(510) 869-6763

Other Resources:
Alameda County Tobacco Control Program
(510) 628-STOP (7867)

American Cancer Society
(510) 832-7012
(800) ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)

American Heart Association
(800) 242-8721

American Lung Association
(800) 586-4872

Back to top