Published on Mar 20, 2025 | 9:00 AM
Share Article :
Nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure,¹ making it one of the most widespread and serious health concerns today. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls remains too high over time, placing excessive strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Often referred to as the "silent killer," hypertension can develop without noticeable symptoms, yet it significantly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other life-threatening complications.
Despite its dangers, hypertension is highly manageable with the right lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Understanding how blood pressure works, what causes hypertension, and how to monitor it can empower individuals to take control of their heart health and reduce their risk of complications.
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure remains consistently elevated beyond normal levels. Blood pressure is determined by two key factors: the amount of blood the heart pumps and the resistance within the arteries.
When the heart pumps more blood, it increases the force against the artery walls, leading to higher pressure.
Similarly, if the arteries become narrower or less flexible, they create more resistance, making it harder for blood to flow and causing blood pressure to rise.
There are two primary types of hypertension:²
While temporary spikes in blood pressure can occur due to stress or physical exertion, chronic hypertension requires medical attention to prevent serious health risks.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps. It is measured using two numbers: systolic pressure, which represents the force when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg, while a reading above 130/80 mmHg is considered high and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Because hypertension often develops without noticeable symptoms, regular monitoring at home or with a doctor is crucial for early detection and management. If blood pressure ever reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent serious complications.²
In many cases, symptoms of hypertension are not noticeable. However, some individuals with high blood pressure may experience one or more of the following symptoms:⁴
NOTE: These symptoms may be caused by conditions other than hypertension. Get your blood pressure tested so that your medical provider can determine whether you need high blood pressure treatment or another type of medical therapy.
When left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health complications, including:
Because hypertension can silently cause damage over time, early detection and management are key to reducing the risk of severe complications and maintaining overall health.
Several hypertension risk factors increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, including:
Stress: Long-term stress can lead to unhealthy habits like overeating and smoking, which contribute to high blood pressure.
Treatment for hypertension typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. Treatment aims to lower blood pressure to a healthy range and reduce the risk of complications.
Making lifestyle changes is one of the most effective ways to manage hypertension. Following a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while limiting salt, red meat, and processed foods, can help lower blood pressure.
Regular exercise, such as 150 minutes of moderate activity per week like walking, cycling, or swimming, strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial, as even small weight loss can significantly reduce blood pressure.
Additionally, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking can prevent further damage to blood vessels, while practicing stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can support overall heart health.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, doctors may prescribe hypertension medications to help control hypertension. Common types include:
Medication plans are tailored to each individual, and adherence to prescribed treatments is crucial for effective management.
Yes, chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure by triggering unhealthy habits like overeating, smoking, or excessive alcohol use. However, stress alone is not a direct cause of long-term hypertension.
While lifestyle changes like reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower blood pressure, medication is often necessary for effective management. Always consult a doctor for proper treatment.
There is no known cure at the present time. It is generally a chronic condition that requires long-term management. However, following a personalized hypertension treatment plan can promote lower blood pressure levels and a decreased risk of complications. Lifestyle changes play a significant role in blood pressure management.
Consuming excessive amounts of fried foods, canned and processed foods, full-fat dairy products, alcohol, or salt-, sugar-, or sodium-rich foods can increase the chances of developing hypertension. Diets low in potassium are also associated with a higher risk of hypertension, as this mineral helps regulate blood pressure.
Managing hypertension with the right medication is essential for reducing health risks and maintaining overall well-being. Call-On-Doc offers a fast, convenient way to get expert care for high blood pressure including prescriptions and prescription refills from the comfort of your home.
Our online doctors provide personalized online hypertension treatment options, ensuring you get the medication you need without the hassle of in-person visits. Take control of your health today with an easy, hassle-free online consultation.
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
More than 1 in 3 Americans—approximately 96 million adults—are prediabetic. Of those who have prediabetes. 80% do not know they have it. People with prediabetes don’t experience the same intensity of symptoms as those with diabetes. This can make noticing the signs and getting help early on difficult to do.
May 09, 2022 | 10:04 AM
Read More
What to Know About Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting women in the United States. This guide will explain breast cancer types and reveal what steps you can take for prevention and treatment.
Oct 23, 2022 | 11:47 AM
Read More
National Diabetes Awareness Week
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to get energy from glucose. People with this condition are either not able to produce sufficient insulin (Type 1) or are unable to use the insulin their body makes to its full potential (Type 2).
When either of these things occurs, an excess of sugar remains in the blood. Left unchecked, too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to the development of serious problems like kidney and heart disease, as well as vision loss. Unfortunately, 20% of people with diabetes may never know they have it.
Nov 15, 2022 | 11:19 AM
Read More
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
More than 1 in 3 Americans—approximately 96 million adults—are prediabetic. Of those who have prediabetes. 80% do not know they have it. People with prediabetes don’t experience the same intensity of symptoms as those with diabetes. This can make noticing the signs and getting help early on difficult to do.
May 09, 2022 | 10:04 AM
What to Know About Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting women in the United States. This guide will explain breast cancer types and reveal what steps you can take for prevention and treatment.
Oct 23, 2022 | 11:47 AM
National Diabetes Awareness Week
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to get energy from glucose. People with this condition are either not able to produce sufficient insulin (Type 1) or are unable to use the insulin their body makes to its full potential (Type 2).
When either of these things occurs, an excess of sugar remains in the blood. Left unchecked, too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to the development of serious problems like kidney and heart disease, as well as vision loss. Unfortunately, 20% of people with diabetes may never know they have it.
Nov 15, 2022 | 11:19 AM
Feedback from our amazing patients!
"I can’t believe I did not know about this kind of service! This was absolutely perfect for my health concern and they were able to provide me with the necessary medication and with such cinch. Completely recommended this service. For minor health concerns, this can save you an unnecessary and costly trip to an urgent care center."
"Amazing!! Easy and fast! I didn’t have to take my 4 year old into an urgent care where only god knows what germs are there. The doctor sent the script right to my pharmacy within minutes!!!"
"I would give 10 stars if I could! CallonDoc is literally the reason I am recovering instead of suffering as I write this. I was skeptical at first, but I’m not kidding when I tell you I got prescribed my antibiotics and picked it up at the pharmacy within 2 hours. So instead of waiting & paying around 300$...I paid 40$!! I’m very pleased."
Be the first to know when we offer deals.
Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?