What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force your blood exerts against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When that force stays consistently too high, it's called hypertension — and over time, it can silently damage your heart, kidneys, brain, and blood vessels.
A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg. You're considered to have hypertension when readings consistently reach 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Why It's Called the "Silent Killer"
One of the most dangerous things about high blood pressure is that it usually causes no symptoms. You can feel perfectly fine while your blood vessels are under serious strain. That's why regular checkups with your primary care provider are so important — it's often caught only through routine screening.
Risk Factors to Know
Several factors can raise your risk of developing hypertension:
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Age — risk increases as we get older
- Excess weight or obesity
- Physical inactivity
- High-sodium diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress
- Diabetes or kidney disease
Lifestyle Changes That Make a Real Difference
Before or alongside medication, lifestyle modifications can have a powerful impact on your numbers:
- Reduce sodium — aim for less than 2,300 mg per day (ideally closer to 1,500 mg)
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains — the DASH diet is specifically designed to lower blood pressure
- Exercise regularly — 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week
- Limit alcohol — no more than one drink per day for women, two for men
- Quit smoking — every cigarette temporarily spikes your blood pressure
- Manage stress — try deep breathing, walking, or mindfulness practices
- Monitor at home — a home blood pressure cuff gives you and your doctor a fuller picture
When Medication Is Needed
For many patients, lifestyle changes alone aren't enough to reach a safe blood pressure goal. There are several effective classes of blood pressure medications, and finding the right one (or combination) is something Dr. Kamra will work through with you based on your full health history. Never stop or adjust your medication without talking to your doctor first.
Take the First Step
Hypertension is manageable, and you don't have to figure it out alone. At AmpleHealth, Dr. Dheeraj Kamra and our team are here to create a personalized plan that fits your life — whether you're newly diagnosed or looking to better control long-standing hypertension.
Schedule your appointment today at our Carmichael or Sacramento office and take control of your heart health.
This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your AmpleHealth provider for guidance specific to your health situation.
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