High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Medically reviewed by [Clinician name, credentials] on [date]
High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems adults face, and most people feel completely fine while they have it. The good news: it's easy to check, and there's a lot you can do about it. Here's what to know, and how Oceanside Health can help from home.
This page is for general education. It isn't a diagnosis and doesn't replace a visit with a clinician.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. A reading has two numbers. The top number (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
The CDC says normal blood pressure is less than 120/80, and high blood pressure is a reading that is consistently at or above 130/80. The American Heart Association groups readings like this:
| Category | Top number | Bottom number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | and | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and | Less than 80 |
| Stage 1 high blood pressure | 130–139 | or | 80–89 |
| Stage 2 high blood pressure | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Severe | Higher than 180 | and/or | Higher than 120 |
Only a clinician can confirm a diagnosis. One high reading isn't enough. Clinicians look at readings taken at different times.
Over time, high blood pressure makes the heart work harder and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. It raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
Common symptoms
Usually, none. The CDC notes that high blood pressure typically has no warning signs, and many people don't know they have it. Measuring it is the only way to know.
Things that raise your risk include getting older, family history, extra weight, not getting enough activity, smoking, a diet high in salt, drinking too much alcohol, long-term stress, and conditions like diabetes.
When telehealth works — and when you need in-person care
Telehealth often works well for:
- Reviewing home blood pressure readings and spotting patterns
- Talking about lifestyle changes like eating, activity, salt, alcohol, and sleep
- Follow-up visits after starting or changing a blood pressure medicine
- Questions about side effects
You'll likely need an in-person visit or lab work for:
- A first full exam, if you haven't had one recently
- Blood and urine tests your clinician may order
- Checking that your home cuff reads the same as an office cuff (the AHA suggests bringing your monitor to an appointment about once a year)
- Any new symptoms that need a hands-on exam
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends confirming high blood pressure with readings taken outside the clinic, such as home monitoring, before starting treatment. That's one reason home readings and video visits fit together well.
How Oceanside Health can help
- Video visits with a clinician who reviews your history, medicines, and readings with you.
- Help with home monitoring. The AHA recommends an automatic, upper-arm cuff that has been validated (wrist and finger monitors are less reliable). We can help you check your cuff size and technique. Sit quietly for 5 minutes first, keep your arm supported at heart level, and take two readings one minute apart.
- Sharing readings. If you use a connected cuff, readings can be shared with your care team through our secure patient system. [CONFIRM: device program and platform]
- A plan made with you. That may include lifestyle steps and, when appropriate, medicine. We'll explain the reasons and the options.
- Regular follow-up to see what's working and adjust.
We care for patients by video across Brevard County, from Titusville to Palm Bay. [CONFIRM: in-person availability and location]
Please don't stop or change a blood pressure medicine on your own based on home readings. Talk with your clinician first.
Call 911 or go to the ER if…
Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you have any of these:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
- Numbness or weakness
- Change in vision
- Trouble speaking
Also call 911 for any sign of a stroke (B.E. F.A.S.T.): sudden Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech trouble — Time to call 911. Don't drive yourself.
If your reading is above 180/120 but you have no symptoms, wait one minute and check again. If it's still that high, contact your clinician right away.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have high blood pressure and feel fine?
Yes. That's very common. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, which is why regular checks matter.
Is one high reading a reason to worry?
Usually not by itself. The AHA says a single high reading is not an immediate cause for alarm. Re-check, write both numbers down, and share them with your clinician. Very high readings with symptoms are different. See the 911 list above.
What kind of home blood pressure monitor should I get?
The AHA recommends an automatic cuff that goes on your upper arm and has been validated for accuracy. Make sure the cuff fits your arm. Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended.
How often should adults get their blood pressure checked?
The USPSTF suggests yearly checks for adults 40 and older and for people at higher risk. Adults 18 to 39 with normal readings and no extra risk may be checked every 3 to 5 years. Your clinician can tell you what's right for you.
Can lifestyle changes lower blood pressure?
For many people, yes. The CDC lists regular activity, not smoking, eating less salt, limiting alcohol, keeping a healthy weight, and managing stress. Some people also need medicine, and that's okay.
Book a visit
Want a second set of eyes on your numbers? Book a visit or call 321-878-8195. Please don't send health details through this website or by email. We'll go over everything privately during your visit.
If you think you're having an emergency, call 911.
Sources
- CDC. About High Blood Pressure. https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/index.html
- American Heart Association. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
- American Heart Association. Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Hypertension in Adults: Screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hypertension-in-adults-screening
- MedlinePlus (NIH). High Blood Pressure. https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressure.html
- American Stroke Association. Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms
Medically reviewed by [Clinician name, credentials] on [date]. Next review due: [date + 12 months].