High Blood Pressure: What It Means and How to Manage Risks
- 4 minute read.
- Last Updated: 10/15/2025
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. It’s also one of the most dangerous.
Often appearing without symptoms, it quietly damages your body over time. It increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious complications. At Covenant Health, we’re committed to helping you understand the risks and take steps toward prevention and treatment.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: The pressure when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure: The pressure when your heart rests between beats.
A normal reading is around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is diagnosed when readings consistently fall above the normal range:
| Classification | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
| Normal | <120 | <80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | <80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | ≥140 | ≥90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | >180 | >120 |
A hypertensive crisis requires immediate medical attention.
Why Is It Dangerous?
Due to the lack of symptoms, high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer.” Left untreated, it can quietly damage your body over time. Here’s how:
- Heart Disease: Increased strain on the heart can lead to heart attacks and heart failure.
- Stroke: Damaged blood vessels in the brain raise your risk of stroke.
- Kidney Damage: High pressure harms kidney arteries, potentially leading to kidney failure.
- Vision Loss: Eye blood vessels may be damaged, causing vision problems or blindness.
- Aneurysms: Weakened arteries can bulge and rupture, posing life-threatening risks.
In severe cases or hypertensive crisis, you may experience headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, and nosebleeds. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Who Is at Risk?
High blood pressure can develop over time due to a variety of factors:
- Genetics: A family history of hypertension increases your risk
- Age: Adults over the age of 40 are more susceptible
- Diet: High sodium intake and poor nutrition can elevate blood pressure
- Lack of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular strain
- Stress: Chronic stress can raise levels
- Smoking and Alcohol: Both can damage blood vessels and increase pressure
- Underlying Conditions: Kidney disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and sleep apnea are common contributors
How to Prevent High Blood Pressure
The good news is that it is often preventable. Follow these healthy lifestyle steps to decrease your risk factors:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Limit sodium: Reducing salt intake can make a significant difference
- Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol: Both can raise your blood pressure and damage your arteries
- Manage stress: Mindfulness, therapy, and relaxation techniques can help
- Monitor your numbers: Regular blood pressure checks are key to early detection
How to Manage High Blood Pressure
If you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, management is essential to protecting your heart and overall health. In addition to following the prevention behaviors listed above, you should also keep track of your blood pressure readings at home or with your healthcare provider and take medication as prescribed.
When to See a Doctor
“High blood pressure is often silent, but its effects are far from harmless. Even without symptoms, it can gradually damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels,” explains cardiologist, A. Kassem Abdallah, MD. “At Covenant Health, we emphasize early detection, lifestyle changes, and, when needed, effective treatment — because protecting your heart begins with knowing your numbers.”
If you’re concerned about your blood pressure or want to learn more about prevention, our cardiology experts are ready to support you.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule a visit today if:
- Your blood pressure is consistently above 130/80 mmHg
- You have a family history of heart disease or stroke
- You’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain or headaches
- You haven’t had a recent check-up
With Covenant Health, the right care is right where you need it. Find cardiac care near you and schedule an appointment today.
