Hypertension

Question 1

Recognizing and handling common symptoms

Accepted Answer

High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms. Most people feel fine even when their numbers are high. There are no warning signs, so regular checkups are key. Your care provider uses a blood pressure cuff to measure two numbers. The systolic, or top number, is measured when your heart beats. The diastolic, or bottom number, is measured when your heart rests. A very high reading is called a hypertensive crisis. This needs medical care right away. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can cause serious harm. It raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. Ask your care team how often to check your blood pressure. Also ask what to do if a reading is very high.

Question 2

How and when to take each medication; missed-dose handling

Accepted Answer

High blood pressure treatment often includes both medicine and heart-healthy lifestyle changes. There are different types of blood pressure medicines, and some people need more than one type. Your care team will work with you to create a treatment plan. For questions about timing, staying on schedule, and what to do if you miss a dose, your provider is the right person to ask.

Question 3

What the key numbers mean and target ranges

Accepted Answer

Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers. The systolic number — the top, higher number — measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The diastolic number — the bottom, lower number — measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats. Health care providers use published categories to understand where a reading falls. A reading below 120 over 80 is considered normal. A systolic of 120 to 129 with a diastolic below 80 is called elevated. Stage 1 high blood pressure is a systolic of 130 to 139 or a diastolic of 80 to 89. Stage 2 starts at a systolic of 140 or higher, or a diastolic of 90 or higher. A reading above 180 over 120 is a hypertensive crisis — seek medical care right away. Because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, regular checks with your provider are the only reliable way to know your numbers. Talk with your care team about what your reading means for you personally.

10 questions to ask your care team about Hypertension

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