Understanding Blood Pressure & Hypertension

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. Blood pressure is written as two numbers, such as 120/80.- The top number (systolic) measures pressure when the heart squeezes and pumps blood.- The bottom number (diastolic) measures pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

What Causes the Systolic Number to Increase?

·       Stress and anxiety

·       Excess body weight or obesity

·       High salt intake

·       Stiffening of the arteries with aging

·       Smoking

·       Lack of exercise

·       Kidney disease

·       Excess alcohol use

·       Chronic uncontrolled hypertension

What Causes the Diastolic Number to Increase?

·       Narrowing of the smaller blood vessels

·       Stress and tension

·       Excess sodium intake

·       Obesity

·       Lack of physical activity

·       Smoking

·       Sleep apnea

·       Hormonal and kidney-related conditions

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure. When blood pressure stays elevated for a long period of time, it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because many people have no symptoms.

Blood Pressure Categories

·       Normal: Less than 120/80

·       Elevated: Systolic 120–129 and diastolic less than 80

·       Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139 or 80–89

·       Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 or higher

·       Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 – seek immediate medical attention

Common Blood Pressure Medications & What They Do

Diuretics (“Water Pills”)

·       Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – helps kidneys remove excess sodium and water.

·       Furosemide (Lasix) – removes excess fluid and reduces swelling and pressure.

·       Chlorthalidone – long-acting diuretic that lowers fluid volume.

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

·       Spironolactone (Aldactone) – blocks aldosterone, helping lower blood pressure and fluid retention.

·       Amiloride – helps remove sodium while conserving potassium.

·       Triamterene – mild diuretic often combined with HCTZ.

ACE Inhibitors

·       Lisinopril – blocks hormones that tighten blood vessels.

·       Enalapril – helps blood vessels relax and widen.

·       Benazepril – lowers pressure by reducing vessel constriction.

ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)

·       Losartan – blocks angiotensin effects that tighten arteries.

·       Valsartan – helps improve blood flow by relaxing vessels.

·       Olmesartan – lowers blood pressure by widening arteries.

Calcium Channel Blockers

·       Amlodipine – relaxes artery walls to improve blood flow.

·       Nifedipine – widens blood vessels and lowers pressure.

·       Diltiazem – lowers heart workload and relaxes vessels.

Beta Blockers

·       Metoprolol – slows the heart and lowers blood pressure.

·       Atenolol – reduces heart workload.

·       Carvedilol – lowers heart rate and relaxes blood vessels.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

·       Foods high in salt/sodium

·       Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats

·       Fast foods and fried foods

·       Canned soups with high sodium

·       Excess sweets and sugary drinks

·       Excess alcohol

·       Foods high in saturated fat and trans fat

Foods That Support Healthy Blood Pressure

·       Fresh fruits and vegetables

·       Leafy green vegetables

·       Low-fat dairy products

·       Whole grains

·       Beans and legumes

·       Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids

·       Water and low-sugar beverages

Activities That Help Control Blood Pressure

·       Walking at least 30 minutes most days

·       Light strength exercises approved by your healthcare provider

·       Weight reduction if overweight

·       Stress reduction and relaxation techniques

·       Stopping smoking

·       Getting adequate sleep

·       Taking medications exactly as prescribed

Important Reminder

Having a home blood pressure cuff to periodically check your blood pressure is essential if you have high blood pressure (hypertension). Knowing your numbers can help you and your healthcare provider better manage your condition and reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications.

Lynnette Cowans, RN

Health Commissioner