Hypertension: Taking control of your blood pressure

Why is it that every time you see a healthcare provider, they take your blood pressure? It’s due to a very good reason: high blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause of death the U.S., but it’s highly treatable.

Johnny Gerardot, MD, a family medicine physician with Beacon Medical Group Main Street, explains, “Hypertension is often called the ‘silent killer’ because many people don’t experience noticeable symptoms until it’s too late.”

Some of those early symptoms are subtle and easily blamed on other causes, making them easy to miss.

• “While common, a particularly intense headache or one that doesn’t respond to typical treatments may be linked to high blood pressure,” says Dr. Gerardot.
• Dizziness or feeling unsteady without an obvious cause
• Difficult breathing or feeling out of breath after minimal exertion
• Vision changes, such as blurry or double vision
• Chest discomfort. “Often mistaken for indigestion or anxiety, chest discomfort could signal stress on the cardiovascular system caused by high blood pressure,” says Dr. Gerardot.
• Unexplained fatigue. Feeling unusually tired or worn out can be a sign of underlying cardiovascular issues such as hypertension.

Why worry?

When left untreated, hypertension leads to a number of chronic and dangerous conditions. Most people know that it’s a risk factor for heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. Fewer people are aware that it can affect your vision, lead to peripheral artery disease or kidney failure and cause sexual dysfunction. Tina Turner’s kidney failure resulted from a history of untreated hypertension.

It’s estimated that nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, but only a quarter of them have gotten it under control. In 2021, at least 600,000 deaths in the U.S. were mostly or partly due to hypertension.

But there’s good news: “In many cases, hypertension can be managed or even controlled without medication,” says Dr. Gerardot, “particularly in its early stages, when blood pressure is only mildly elevated.”

What you can do

The first step in protecting your health is to get your blood pressure checked regularly. Dr. Gerardot recommends a schedule based on your risk factors and overall health:

• If your blood pressure is currently normal (<120/80 mm Hg): Check at least once a year, and more often if you have a risk factor like obesity or a family history of hypertension.
• If your blood pressure is slightly elevated (120–129/<80 mm Hg is considered prehypertensive): Check at least every six months to watch for changes.
• If you have hypertension: Check at least monthly or as your healthcare provider suggests.
• If you’re already on blood pressure medication: Check monthly or as needed in order to see if your treatment is effective and so that your provider can adjust your medications if needed.

Dr. Gerardot advises that it can be very useful to monitor your blood pressure at home. “However, it’s important to use an accurate device,” he says. Also be sure you’re using the home monitor correctly. “Periodic consultations with a health provider are crucial for confirming readings and evaluating overall progress,” he adds.

If you have signs of hypertension, your provider may suggest lifestyle changes and/or medication. Dr. Gerardot encourages patients to prioritize lifestyle changes before they turn to medication, unless their blood pressure is dangerously high or they have other health conditions that require immediate treatment.

“However, for some individuals, medications may still be necessary in combination with lifestyle changes to fully control blood pressure,” he says.

Fortunately, the lifestyle changes that will help keep your blood pressure under control will also help you feel good and maintain your overall health. Here are Dr. Gerardot’s recommendations:

• Diet: Adopt the heart-healthy DASH diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Also limit your consumption of salt.
• Exercise: Regular exercise will lower your blood pressure and boost your cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (such as walking, cycling or swimming) most days of the week.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your blood pressure. “Even a small weight loss can make a noticeable difference,” says Dr. Gerardot.
• Alcohol: Aim for no more than one drink per day for women and two for men; more than that can raise your blood pressure.
• Smoking: There are great benefits to stopping smoking. Smoking increases your blood pressure temporarily and contributes to cardiovascular and lung problems over the long term.
• Stress: Chronic stress can raise your blood pressure, so practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or deep breathing.
• Sleep: Getting enough quality sleep should be a priority for your well-being. Talk to your provider if you snore loudly, wake up frequently, experience morning headaches or feel excessively tired during the day, as these are signs of sleep apnea, which contributes to hypertension.

By working with your healthcare provider and embracing positive lifestyle changes, you can keep your blood pressure under control for a longer, healthier life.

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