Hypertension is one of those oblique medical terms. Is it serious? How serious? “High blood pressure,” to many, is the scarier term.

So what is hypertension, and what’re the differences between it and high blood pressure?

Hypertension vs. high blood pressure

Hypertension and high blood pressure are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same.

High blood pressure is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high, while hypertension is a medical term used to describe a blood pressure reading that is consistently above normal. In general, hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher.

It’s important to note that high blood pressure can be a symptom of hypertension, but it can also be caused by other factors such as stress, obesity, and smoking. Hypertension, on the other hand, is a medical condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Hypertension basics

Hypertension is a common condition that affects the arteries, which are the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

If you have hypertension, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high, making your heart work harder to pump blood. This can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.

How hypertension relates to blood pressure numbers

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

• Systolic pressure: the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats
• Diastolic pressure: the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats

For example, if your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, it means your systolic pressure is 120 and your diastolic pressure is 80.

A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg. However, some health care professionals may diagnose you with hypertension if your blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mmHg or higher, based on a guideline released in 2017 by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.

Others may use a higher limit of 140/90 mmHg, based on a guideline released in 2003 by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

Hypertension symptoms

Most people with hypertension have no symptoms, even if their blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels. That’s why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by your health care team, especially if you are older than 40 or have a family history of hypertension.

Symptoms that have been reported are:

• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleed
• Severe anxiety
• Feelings of pulsations in the neck or head

What causes hypertensions?

The exact causes of hypertension are not known, but there are several factors that can increase your risk of developing it. Some of these factors are:

• Age: The risk of hypertension increases as you get older
• Family history: Hypertension tends to run in families
• Race: African Americans are more likely to develop hypertension than other racial groups
• Salt intake: Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure
• Smoking: Smoking damages your arteries and increases your blood pressure
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on your heart and arteries
• Lack of physical activity: Being inactive can make your blood pressure rise
• Alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure
• Stress: Chronic stress can increase your blood pressure
• Other health conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and some medications can cause or worsen hypertension

The good news is that you can prevent and manage hypertension by making some lifestyle changes.

Five ways to fight hypertension

Will lifestyle changes always work?

Lifestyle changes will certain have a positive impact on your overall health. However, there are cases where those changes alone may not be enough to control your blood pressure.

You may also need medication to lower your blood pressure and prevent complications. There are different types of drugs that can treat hypertension, such as:

• diuretics
• beta blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• ARBs
• calcium channel blockers
• alpha blockers
• renin inhibitors

As always, ask your doctor. They’ll prescribe the best medication for you based on your condition and medical history.

In Summary…

Hypertension is a serious but manageable condition that affects millions of people worldwide. By knowing your blood pressure numbers and taking steps to lower them if they are too high, you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of high blood pressure and enjoy a healthier life.