What is Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when your blood forcefully pushes against your blood vessels. When your blood pressure remains high, damage to blood vessels and the heart can occur, increasing the risk of complications.

National and U.P. Data

  • Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure.
    • Only 25% effectively manage their blood pressure.
  • In the U.P., 39.6% of adults have been diagnosed with hypertension.
    • Of those ages 65 and older, nearly 64% have hypertension.

Symptoms

High blood pressure usually does not have symptoms and is known as the "silent killer." Some possible symptoms include:

  • Confusion, disorientation, or changes in thinking
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Heart palpitations

Primary Causes

  • Genetics: Having a family history
  • Aging: Being over the age of 55
  • Smoking or using tobacco products
  • Physical Activity and Nutrition: Limited physical activity, high sodium intake, and high alcohol consumption

Treatment & Management

Medications: Healthcare providers may prescribe diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs.

Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, reducing sodium, consuming enough potassium, quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, and limiting or avoiding alcohol.

Hypertension Resources

Sources