WHAT IS HYPERTENSION?
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood around the body. As it travels, the blood delivers oxygen to the body’s vital organs.
Sometimes, a problem in the body makes it harder for the heart to pump the blood. This could happen, for example, if an artery becomes too narrow.
Persistent high blood pressure can put a strain on the walls of the arteries. This can lead to a variety of health problems, some of which can be life threatening.
High blood pressure chart
The chart below shows measures for normal and high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Doctors measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and is the top number on a blood pressure reading. Diastolic, which is the lower number, represents the blood pressure when the heart is resting between beats.
| Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg) | |
| Normal | Below 120 | Below 80 |
| Elevated (hypertension) | 120–129 | Below 80 |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130–139 | 80–90 |
| Stage 2 hypertension | 140 or above | 90 or above |
| Hypertensive crisis | Over 180 | Over 120 |
Signs and symptoms
Most people with high blood pressure will not experience any symptoms, which is why people often call hypertension the “silent killer.”
However, once blood pressure reaches about 180/120 mm Hg, it becomes a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency.
At this stage, a person may have:
- a headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- blurred or double vision
- nosebleeds
- heart palpitations
- breathlessness
Anybody who experiences these symptoms should see their doctor immediately.
Symptoms in women
Hormonal factors mean that the risk of high blood pressure may be different in males and females.
Factors that can increase the risk of high blood pressure in females include:
- pregnancy
- menopause
- the use of birth control pills
During pregnancy, high blood pressure can be a sign of preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition that can affect the woman and her unborn baby.
Symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- headaches
- vision changes
- abdominal pain
- swelling due to edema
All women should follow the guidelines for screening and attend all health checks, especially during pregnancy.
Symptoms in teens
Teenagers can develop high blood pressure due to obesity or an underlying medical condition.
Possible medical factors include:
- aspects of metabolic syndrome, such as type 2 diabetes
- kidney disease
- endocrine disease, which affects the hormones
- vascular disease, which affects the blood vessels
- a neurological condition
These conditions may have symptoms of their own.
The symptoms of high blood pressure, if they occur, will be the same as for other groups.
Symptoms in children
High blood pressure can affect children. Having obesity and diabetes increases the risk, but it can also be a sign of:
- a tumor
- heart problems
- kidney problems
- thyroid problems
- a genetic condition, such as Cushing’s syndrome
As with adults, high blood pressure often does not cause symptoms in children.
However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:
- a headache
- fatigue
- blurred vision
- nosebleeds
They may also have signs of another condition.
Symptoms in babies
Newborns and very young babies can sometimes have high blood pressure due to an underlying health condition, such as kidney or heart disease.
Symptoms may include:
- a failure to thrive
- seizures
- irritability
- lethargy
- respiratory distress
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