High Blood Pressure and Vascular Disease
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause a lot of damage to the body over time. It increases the risk for life-threatening complications.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood flow within the walls of your arteries (blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart). It is measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. When your healthcare team checks your blood pressure, they record two important numbers.
The first number is called systolic pressure. This is the amount of pressure it takes for your heart to push blood through the arteries of your entire body. Systolic pressure below 120 is considered normal. If you have several readings of systolic pressure above 130, your blood pressure may be considered “elevated,” or higher than normal.
The second number is called diastolic pressure. This number measures the amount of pressure on your artery walls as the heart relaxes between beats. Diastolic pressure below 80 is normal; 90 or higher means you have high blood pressure.
Why is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
High blood pressure makes the heart work too hard. Constant, elevated pressure can harm blood vessels and the heart itself. Known as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure often has no warning signs or symptoms before a major health event, like a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that high blood pressure can be controlled and treated. You can prevent or delay health problems related to high blood pressure by having your blood pressure checked at every healthcare visit and by taking action to reach your blood pressure goal.
The Link Between High Blood Pressure, Coronary Artery Disease, and Peripheral Artery Disease
People who have high blood pressure have a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). This occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart or the arteries that supply blood to your legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits called plaque. Treating high blood pressure is an important part of treating PAD. For people with PAD and other conditions like diabetes, controlling high blood pressure also can help lower your chances of having eye problems and kidney disease.
High Blood Pressure Management & Prevention
If you have high blood pressure, work with your health care team to reach a blood pressure goal of less than 130/80 mmHg. The National Institutes of Health recommends the following ways to control high blood pressure:
Manage Excess Weight and Stay Active
Aim to be active at least 30 minutes each day. You can break up activity into shorter periods; for example, you could walk for 10 minutes three times a day, or move your arms and legs while watching your favorite TV show. Ask your health care team for help building a new routine. Tell your friends and family about your weight-loss goals and ask them for support.
Eat Food That Is Good For Your Heart
Incorporate heart-healthy foods into your daily meals. Talk with your healthcare team or nutritionist to learn more. Some examples of heart-healthy foods include whole grains, berries, leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and collard greens), walnuts, and dark chocolate. Remember: Before starting any diet or exercise plan, discuss it with your health care team.
Quit Smoking
Reducing or stopping cigarette use significantly reduces your risk for worsening PAD and lowers your odds for other health problems. Ask your healthcare team how they can help you quit.
Reduce Your Salt Intake
High sodium levels in your food raise your blood pressure and increase your risk for developing complications. Try cooking at home rather than eating out so you have more control over the amount of sodium in your food. To help decrease your salt intake, limit canned or processed foods, and try the other tips on this information sheet below. Ask your health care team for more ideas or if you have any questions about your sodium levels.
Tips for Trimming Your Salt Intake
When cooking or at the table, avoid using salt to add flavor to your food. Try herbs, spices, lemon, lime, vinegar, or salt-free seasoning blends. If your budget allows it, cook with fresh poultry, fish, and lean meats. Canned or processed meats (deli meats or cold cuts) have very high salt content. Buy fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables that have no salt added. When you use canned foods, drain and rinse them at least once to reduce the sodium.
Cook rice, pasta, and hot cereals with herbs or spices rather than salt. Cut back on instant or flavored versions of these items, which often contain added salt. For snacks, choose unsalted nuts, fresh fruits, or low-sodium pretzels or crackers. Many carbonated beverages, even diet ones, contain sodium. Read labels carefully and replace these beverages with water when possible. Most condiments, such as ketchup, have a high salt content. Limit their use when enjoying your meal.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. The CDC recommends no more than two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women.
Take Medicines as Prescribed
There are many types of medicines to control high blood pressure. Your health care team will prescribe the right medicine, or maybe even more than one, that works for you. If you need medicine for your high blood pressure, make sure you understand what it does and how and when to take it. Use the medicine as prescribed and discuss any side effects with your health care team.
Work With Your Healthcare Team
At each visit, ask what your blood pressure numbers are, what they mean, and what you need to do to reach your blood pressure goal. Talk about any problems you are having managing your blood pressure. It’s OK to ask for help.
Use Technology
There are numerous mobile applications (apps) that can record your blood pressure and report it to your health care team. Ask if this option is available to you.
You can also work with your doctor to achieve good blood pressure control by:
Knowing your blood pressure.
Monitoring your blood pressure regularly, and keep a written record to share with your doctor.
Taking medications as instructed.
Going to the emergency room if you notice a blood pressure greater than 180/120 and symptoms such as headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a sudden change in vision.
Risk Factors
Age
Race (Blacks and Latinos are at a higher risk)
Family history
Carrying excess weight
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Eating too much salt
Drinking too many alcoholic beverages
High stress levels
Pregnancy
Resources
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