High normal blood pressure, also known as prehypertension, is a condition where blood pressure levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as hypertension.
It is a warning sign that your blood pressure is gradually creeping up, putting you at risk for serious health problems.
In this article, we’ll explore what high normal blood pressure is, its causes, risks, and treatment options.
What is High Normal Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood.
A healthy blood pressure reading is usually below 130/85 mm Hg.
High normal blood pressure, also known as prehypertension, is when your blood pressure readings consistently fall between 130-139/85-89 mm Hg.
It is not a disease, but rather a warning sign that you are at risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) if left untreated.
Examples of Elevated Blood Pressure
- Blood pressure 115/85 mm Hg
- Blood pressure 120/89 mm Hg
- Blood pressure 125/85 mm Hg
- Blood pressure 135/80 mm Hg
- Blood pressure 139/89 mm Hg
Causes of High Normal Blood Pressure
High normal blood pressure can be caused by various factors such as:
- Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking are some of the major lifestyle factors that can cause high normal blood pressure.
- Stress: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure levels, even in people who are otherwise healthy.
- Genetics: Family history of high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing high normal blood pressure.
- Age: Blood vessels tend to become less elastic and more rigid as you age, leading to an increase in blood pressure.
- Other medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea can also contribute to high normal blood pressure.
Health Implications of High Normal Blood Pressure
High normal blood pressure may not cause any symptoms, but it can increase your risk of developing serious health problems over time. Here are some of the health risks associated with high normal blood pressure:
- Cardiovascular disease: High normal blood pressure can cause damage to your arteries, increasing your risk of developing heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Kidney damage: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste and toxins from your blood.
- Vision loss: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision loss or even blindness.
- Cognitive decline: High blood pressure can increase your risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline in later life.
Prevention and Treatment of High Normal Blood Pressure
The good news is that high normal blood pressure can be prevented and treated with a few lifestyle changes. Here are some of the ways to prevent and treat high normal blood pressure:
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure and keep it in a healthy range.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase your blood pressure and damage your blood vessels, so quitting smoking can help improve your blood pressure levels.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can increase your blood pressure, so practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help lower your blood pressure.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure if lifestyle changes alone are not enough to bring it down.
Management and Monitoring of High Normal Blood Pressure
If you have high normal blood pressure, it’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly to ensure it stays within a healthy range. You can monitor your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor or by visiting your doctor for regular check-ups. Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to check for other health conditions that may be contributing to your high normal blood pressure.
In addition to monitoring your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend additional lifestyle changes or medications to help manage your high normal blood pressure. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and take any prescribed medications as directed to help keep your blood pressure under control.
If you have other medical conditions that are contributing to your high normal blood pressure, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, it’s important to work with your doctor to manage those conditions as well. Managing these conditions can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing complications related to high blood pressure.
Conclusion
High normal blood pressure may not seem like a serious condition, but it can increase your risk of developing serious health problems over time. Fortunately, high normal blood pressure can be prevented and treated with a few lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medications.
If you have high normal blood pressure, it’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and make any necessary lifestyle changes to help keep your blood pressure under control.
By taking these steps, you can help reduce your risk of developing serious health problems related to high blood pressure and improve your overall health and well-being.