Understanding the Importance of Managing High Blood Pressure with Expert Advice

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According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This condition is a significant factor in heart disease and stroke, which are among the top causes of death globally. Surprisingly, 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure in the US are unaware of their condition.

Hypertension is a common condition that affects many people. It is important to be diagnosed because untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems. Treatment for hypertension involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

In addition to medications, there are several lifestyle factors that can help to reduce high blood pressure. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress.

For people newly diagnosed with high blood pressure, the most important thing to change first is usually their diet and exercise habits. Making healthier choices in terms of what they eat and increasing physical activity can have a significant impact on their blood pressure levels.

To learn more about hypertension and its treatment, I spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness expert who is also an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. Dr. Wen has a wealth of experience in public health, having previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. There are two readings: Systolic (the top number) measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic (the bottom number) measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Hypertension is generally defined as blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHg. At this stage, it is called stage 1 hypertension.

If your blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mmHg or above, it is considered stage 2 hypertension. In a hypertensive crisis, the blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg.

The treatments from your medical provider will differ depending on your blood pressure and accompanying symptoms, if any.

High blood pressure is a serious health issue that can harm various organs in the body. It can damage arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, hypertension can lead to blocked or burst blood vessels in the brain, which can result in a stroke. It is also a common cause of chronic kidney disease. Individuals with chronic hypertension are at higher risk for developing other conditions, such as dementia. If left untreated, high blood pressure can be life-threatening. In fact, it was a primary or contributing factor in over 691,000 deaths in the US in 2021, according to the CDC.

You can have your blood pressure checked at the doctor's office, at a local pharmacy or even at home, with your own blood pressure monitor.

You can have your blood pressure checked at the doctor's office, at a local pharmacy or even at home, with your own blood pressure monitor.

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Most people with high blood pressure do not experience symptoms such as chest pain, headaches, or blurry vision. These symptoms are actually signs of organ damage and are considered late signs of hypertension. This is why regular blood pressure screening is crucial to detect high blood pressure early.

Hypertension is a very common disease, affecting around 48% of adults in the US. It is more prevalent in men than women and is also more common in non-Hispanic Black adults compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, and Asians. The reasons for these disparities are multifaceted, involving both biological and social factors.

Individuals with a family history of high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing hypertension themselves. Additionally, older individuals are more likely to have high blood pressure.

According to the World Health Organization, around 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 worldwide have hypertension. Surprisingly, almost half of them are not even aware that they have this condition. Additionally, only 42% of those diagnosed with hypertension are receiving proper treatment.

CNN recently asked: How is hypertension treated?

There are two main ways to treat hypertension: medications and lifestyle changes.

For medications, there are various types available to help lower high blood pressure. These include diuretics which help the body eliminate excess sodium and water, beta-blockers that decrease the heart rate and workload, and calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors that relax and widen blood vessels.

There are pills that combine medications from different classes. Some people may begin with one medication and later switch to another, while others may require two or more medications.

In addition to medication, individuals with high blood pressure are advised to make lifestyle changes that can help lower their blood pressure. These lifestyle adjustments can also serve as preventive measures, helping to avoid the development of hypertension in those who have not been diagnosed with it yet.

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CNN: What lifestyle changes can people make to better control their blood pressure?

Wen: I advise people to take an inventory of five key daily habits.

First, consider your level of physical activity. The CDC suggests aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Research has shown that even half of this amount can still offer significant health benefits. It is also important to assess how often you move throughout the day, especially for those who have sedentary jobs.

Secondly, take a look at your current diet. Is it already filled with nutritious whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains? Or does it consist mainly of saturated fats and highly processed foods?

Third, consider your habits regarding smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance use. These behaviors can significantly raise the risk of heart disease and make it more challenging to manage hypertension, worsening the effects of high blood pressure.

Fourth, assess your stress levels. Research has shown a connection between high levels of stress and elevated blood pressure, as well as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Fifth, it's important to consider if you are at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing hypertension. People who fall into these categories are more prone to high blood pressure. Making lifestyle changes or taking medications to lose weight can help improve blood pressure control.

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CNN: How important is each intervention? Could you rank them in order of what people should do first?

It varies from person to person. I suggest that individuals assess five key areas and determine which one requires the most attention and is the easiest to address.

For example, if someone doesn't exercise, they should begin by incorporating physical activity into their routine. On the other hand, if someone is active but smokes, quitting smoking should be a priority. And for those who don't smoke but have a poor diet filled with fast food, focusing on healthier eating habits is a good place to start.

It is essential for people to be truthful about the changes they can realistically make and maintain. Making a positive impact on your health does not mean you have to do everything flawlessly. A helpful approach is to begin with the easy wins - the changes that can be implemented quickly without a major overhaul of your lifestyle. While reducing stress may be challenging for many, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables could be a more manageable starting point.

CNN: When individuals are newly diagnosed with high blood pressure, what should be their top priority for change?

It really varies from person to person. My suggestion would be to talk to your healthcare provider and collaborate with them to figure out the important changes you need to make as soon as possible.

If you have slightly high blood pressure, you might be able to start with lifestyle changes first. However, if your blood pressure is extremely high, it's essential to start taking medications right away. This is the most crucial step you need to take.

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In general, it's important not to postpone taking medications if they are necessary. Medications for high blood pressure have been available for many years. They are safe and work well, with various options available in case you experience side effects. You can also focus on improving your lifestyle habits concurrently. Some individuals may find that they no longer need medications once their lifestyle changes for the better. However, it is crucial not to delay taking medications.

Controlling hypertension is a long-term commitment to your health. It's important to remember that the damage it does to your body builds up over time. But there are plenty of ways to manage your blood pressure and stay healthy.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides comprehensive information about hypertension, a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment to mitigate the risks associated with untreated hypertension, including heart disease, stroke, and other complications. The article highlights the role of lifestyle modifications in managing blood pressure, such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, adhering to a balanced diet, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress. These lifestyle changes, in conjunction with medications when necessary, can effectively lower blood pressure and improve overall health outcomes.

Moreover, the article underscores the disparities in hypertension prevalence across different demographic groups, including higher rates among non-Hispanic Black adults compared to other ethnicities. It also acknowledges the lack of awareness and treatment among those diagnosed with hypertension, emphasizing the need for increased public health efforts to raise awareness and improve access to care. The article serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking information about hypertension, its management, and the importance of maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range to promote long-term health and well-being.