High Blood Pressure Symptoms & Effects

According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure measures the amount of tension in the arteries when the heart is beating (systolic pressure) and at rest (diastolic pressure). High blood pressure, or hypertension, in an adult is a systolic pressure of 140 or more millimeters of mercury or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm of mercury or more.

Normal Blood Pressure

• According to the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure is 120/80. The top number is the systolic pressure, which should be lower than or equal to 120 mm of mercury. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which should be equal to or less than 80 mm of mercury.

Symptoms

• You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing and blurred vision are symptoms of high blood pressure.

Causes

• Obesity and some birth control pills can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Heavy drinking and having a family history of high blood pressure can also increase your risk of hypertension.

Affected Groups

• The American Heart Association estimates that high blood pressure affects 73 million people in the United States. High blood pressure can affect children and adults and is most prevalent in people over 35. Hypertension is common among African Americans.

Treatment

• High blood pressure can be treated with medications, diet changes, regular exercise and other lifestyle adjustments.