High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

What is High Blood Pressure?

In the United States, nearly half of all adults (approximately 47%) have high blood pressure (hypertension). This translates to about 125.9 million adults. It is known as the "silent killer" because it typically causes no obvious symptoms while damaging blood vessels and organs over many years.

Hypertension, is a chronic condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. If left untreated, it can silently and significantly increase the risk of serious health complications, including heart attack or heart failure, stroke, kidney damage or failure, vision loss, and aneurysms.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

Systolic pressure (top number): Pressure when the heart beats
Diastolic pressure (bottom number): Pressure when the heart rests between beats

blood pressure chart showing normal blood pressure to high blood pressure readings

A normal blood pressure reading for most adults is below 120/80 mmHg. Consistent readings at or above 130/80 mmHg are classified as high blood pressure (hypertension), which should be managed with a doctor. A cardiologist should check your blood pressure if you have uncontrolled hypertension, pre-existing heart disease, high cardiovascular risk, or symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.

Common Causes of Hypertension

Causes of High blood pressure (hypertension) are divided into primary (essential), which develops gradually over time with no single identifiable cause, and secondary, which appears suddenly due to an underlying condition.

PRIMARY (ESSENTIAL)

Genetics/Family History: A family history of high blood pressure increases risk.
Age: Blood vessels lose elasticity as people age, leading to higher pressure.
Unhealthy Diet: High consumption of salt (sodium).
Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity.
Obesity: Increased body weight.
Stress: High levels of stress.
Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Heavy alcohol consumption and smoking.

SECONDARY

Kidney Disease: The most common cause of secondary hypertension (e.g., renal artery stenosis).
Endocrine/Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or adrenal gland issues.
Medications/Substances: Birth control pills, antidepressants, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs), and illegal drugs.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
Pregnancy-related Issues: Preeclampsia.
Coarctation of the aorta: A birth defect where the main artery is narrowed.

High Blood Pressure Treatment Options

Your cardiologist will determine the best treatment plan based on test results and overall health, family history, and other risk factors. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, medications, and other advanced, minimally invasive treatments can help you lower your blood pressure.

Lifestyle Changes: Adopting healthy habits can play a major role in managing high blood pressure, often reducing or even eliminating the need for medication.

Reduced Sodium Intake: Limiting salt to less than 1,500-2,300 mg per day.
Heart-Healthy Diet: Adopting the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy.
Physical Activity: Regular aerobic exercise like brisk walking.
Weight Management: Losing excess weight.
Limiting Alcohol and Smoking Cessation: Reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking.

Hypertension Medications: Based on individual treatment plans, common high blood pressure pills (antihypertensives) include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers, are used to lower blood pressure.

Diuretics (Water Pills): Examples include chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide; they help remove excess sodium and water.
ACE Inhibitors: Examples include Lisinopril, Benazepril, and Ramipril; they help relax blood vessels.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Examples include Losartan, Valsartan, and Olmesartan; they prevent vessels from narrowing.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Examples include Amlodipine and Diltiazem; they prevent calcium from entering muscle cells in vessel walls.
Beta-blockers: Often used if other, first-line treatments are insufficient.

Resistant or Uncontrolled Hypertension

For resistant or uncontrolled hypertension, when blood pressure remains high despite medication and lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures may offer additional options:

Renal denervation (RDN): A catheter-based procedure that targets overactive nerves in the renal arteries, which can contribute to high blood pressure. The Medtronic Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure is a safe, effective treatment that is clinically proven to reduce high blood pressure regardless of how many medications you’ve tried or when you were diagnosed. This minimally invasive procedure calms excessively active nerves near the kidneys that may be contributing to your high blood pressure.
Baroreceptor activation therapy (BAT): Involves implanting a small device that stimulates sensors in the neck to help regulate blood pressure.
Angioplasty with stenting (in select cases): Used if a narrowed artery (such as renal artery stenosis) is contributing to high blood pressure.
Investigational therapies and clinical trials: Emerging technologies may be available through specialized centers for eligible patients.

Taking Control of Your Blood Pressure

Primary care doctors and family physicians are essential partners in hypertension care. Our cardiologists partners with your primary care provider and adds value when blood pressure becomes complex, high-risk, or when protecting the heart requires deeper evaluation.

Cardiac Associates of North Jersey leads the way in early detection and advanced, personalized care to treat chronic high blood pressure.

Don’t wait. Contact us today and take the first step knowing your real heart risk and toward better blood pressure control.