Mayo Clinic Hypertension

Diseases and Conditions
High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls
is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance
to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the
higher your blood pressure.
You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Even without
symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues and can be detected. Uncontrolled
high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
High blood pressure generally develops over many years, and it affects nearly everyone eventually.
Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood
pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it.
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings
reach dangerously high levels.
Although a few people with early-stage high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells or
a few more nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms usually don't occur until high blood
pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.
When to see a doctor
You'll likely have your blood pressure taken as part of a routine doctor's appointment.
Ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading at least every two years starting at age 18. Blood
pressure should be checked in both arms to determine if there is a difference. Your doctor will likely
recommend more frequent readings if you've already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or
other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Children age 3 and older will usually have their blood
pressure measured as a part of their yearly checkups.
If you don't regularly see your doctor, you may be able to get a free blood pressure screening at a
health resource fair or other locations in your community. You can also find machines in some stores
that will measure your blood pressure for free, but these machines can give you inaccurate results.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Page 1 of 13 High blood pressure (hypertension) Definition - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic
8/13/2014 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/definition/con-...
There are two types of high blood pressure.
Primary (essential) hypertension
For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood
pressure, called essential hypertension or primary hypertension, tends to develop gradually over
many years.
Secondary hypertension
Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood
pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure
than does primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary
hypertension, including:
Kidney problems
Adrenal gland tumors
Thyroid problems
Certain defects in blood vessels you're born with (congenital)
Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter
pain relievers and some prescription drugs
Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
Alcohol abuse or chronic alcohol use
Obstructive sleep apnea
High blood pressure has many risk factors, including:
Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age. Through early middle age, or about
age 45, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high
blood pressure after age 65.
Race. High blood pressure is particularly common among blacks, often developing at an earlier
age than it does in whites. Serious complications, such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure,
also are more common in blacks.
Family history. High blood pressure tends to run in families.
Being overweight or obese. The more you weigh the more blood you need to supply oxygen
and nutrients to your tissues. As the volume of blood circulated through your blood vessels
increases, so does the pressure on your artery walls.
Not being physically active. People who are inactive tend to have higher heart rates. The
higher your heart rate, the harder your heart must work with each contraction and the stronger the
force on your arteries. Lack of physical activity also increases the risk of being overweight.
Using tobacco. Not only does smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raise your blood
pressure temporarily, but the chemicals in tobacco can damage the lining of your artery walls.
This can cause your arteries to narrow, increasing your blood pressure. Secondhand smoke also
can increase your blood pressure.
Too much salt (sodium) in your diet. Too much sodium in your diet can cause your body to
retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.
Too little potassium in your diet. Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium in your cells.
If you don't get enough potassium in your diet or retain enough potassium, you may accumulate
too much sodium in your blood.
Too little vitamin D in your diet. It's uncertain if having too little vitamin D in your diet can lead
to high blood pressure. Vitamin D may affect an enzyme produced by your kidneys that affects
your blood pressure.
Drinking too much alcohol. Over time, heavy drinking can damage your heart. Having more
than two drinks a day for men and more than one drink a day for women may affect your blood
pressure.
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for
women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and
younger.
Stress. High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. If you try to
relax by eating more, using tobacco or drinking alcohol, you may only increase problems with
high blood pressure.
Certain chronic conditions. Certain chronic conditions also may increase your risk of high blood
pressure, such as kidney disease and sleep apnea.
Sometimes pregnancy contributes to high blood pressure, as well.
Although high blood pressure is most common in adults, children may be at risk, too. For some
children, high blood pressure is caused by problems with the kidneys or heart. But for a growing
number of kids, poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, obesity and lack of exercise,
contribute to high blood pressure.
The excessive pressure on your artery walls caused by high blood pressure can damage your blood
vessels, as well as organs in your body. The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes
uncontrolled, the greater the damage.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to:
Heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure can cause hardening and thickening of the arteries
(atherosclerosis), which can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other complications.
Aneurysm. Increased blood pressure can cause your blood vessels to weaken and bulge,
forming an aneurysm. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can be life-threatening.
Heart failure. To pump blood against the higher pressure in your vessels, your heart muscle
thickens. Eventually, the thickened muscle may have a hard time pumping enough blood to meet
your body's needs, which can lead to heart failure.
Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys. This can prevent these organs from
functioning normally.
Thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes. This can result in vision loss.
Metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is a cluster of disorders of your body's metabolism,
including increased waist circumference; high triglycerides; low high-density lipoprotein (HDL); or
"good," cholesterol; high blood pressure; and high insulin levels.
If you have high blood pressure, you're more likely to have other components of metabolic
syndrome. The more components you have, the greater your risk of developing diabetes, heart
disease or stroke.
Trouble with memory or understanding. Uncontrolled high blood pressure may also affect your
ability to think, remember and learn. Trouble with memory or understanding concepts is more
common in people with high blood pressure.
If you think you may have high blood pressure, make an appointment with your family doctor or
health care provider to have your blood pressure checked.
No special preparations are necessary to have your blood pressure checked. You might want to
wear a short-sleeve shirt to your appointment so that the blood pressure cuff can fit around your arm
properly. You might want to avoid caffeinated food and drinks right before your test. You should also
use the toilet before having your blood pressure measured.
Because some medications, such as over-the-counter cold medicines, pain medications,
antidepressants, birth control pills and others, can raise your blood pressure, it might be a good idea
to bring a list of medications and supplements you take to your doctor's appointment. Don't stop
taking any prescription medications that you think may affect your blood pressure without your
doctor's advice.
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to be
prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment,
and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
Write down any symptoms you're experiencing. High blood pressure seldom has symptoms,
but it is a risk factor for heart disease. Letting your doctor know if you have symptoms like chest
pains or shortness of breath can help your doctor decide how aggressively your high blood
pressure needs to be treated.
Write down key personal information, including a family history of high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, heart disease, stroke or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes.
Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all
the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may
remember something that you missed or forgot.
Be prepared to discuss your diet and exercise habits. If you don't already follow a diet or
exercise routine, be ready to talk to your doctor about any challenges you might face in getting
started.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of
your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.
For high blood pressure, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What kinds of tests will I need?
Do I need any medications?
What foods should I eat or avoid?
What's an appropriate level of physical activity?
How often do I need to schedule appointments to check my blood pressure?
Should I monitor my blood pressure at home?
What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
Should I see a specialist?
Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing for me?
Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me?
What websites do you recommend visiting?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions
during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time
to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
Do you have a family history of high cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart disease?
What are your diet and exercise habits like?
Do you drink alcohol? How many drinks do you have in a week?
Do you smoke?
When did you last have your blood pressure checked? What was your blood pressure
measurement then?
What you can do in the meantime
It's never too early to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating healthy foods
and becoming more physically active. These are primary lines of defense against high blood
pressure and its complications, including heart attack and stroke.
To measure your blood pressure, your doctor or a specialist will usually place an inflatable arm cuff
around your arm and measure your blood pressure using a pressure-measuring gauge.
A blood pressure reading, given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), has two numbers. The first, or
upper, number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure).
The second, or lower, number measures the pressure in your arteries between beats (diastolic
pressure).
Blood pressure measurements fall into four general categories:
Normal blood pressure. Your blood pressure is normal if it's below 120/80 mm Hg. However,
some doctors recommend 115/75 mm Hg as a better goal. Once blood pressure rises above
115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease begins to increase.
Prehypertension. Prehypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 139 mm Hg or a
diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg. Prehypertension tends to get worse over time.
Stage 1 hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 140 to 159 mm
Hg or a diastolic pressure ranging from 90 to 99 mm Hg.
Stage 2 hypertension. More severe hypertension, stage 2 hypertension is a systolic pressure of
160 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 100 mm Hg or higher.
Both numbers in a blood pressure reading are important. But after age 60, the systolic reading is
even more significant. Isolated systolic hypertension when diastolic pressure is normal but systolic
pressure is high is a common type of high blood pressure among people older than 60.
Your doctor will likely take two to three blood pressure readings each at three or more separate
appointments before diagnosing you with high blood pressure. This is because blood pressure
normally varies throughout the day, and sometimes specifically during visits to the doctor, a condition
called white-coat hypertension. Your blood pressure should be measured in both arms to determine
if there is a difference. Your doctor may ask you to record your blood pressure at home and at work
to provide additional information.
If you have any type of high blood pressure, your doctor will review your medical history and conduct
a physical examination.
Your doctor may also recommend routine tests, such as a urine test (urinalysis), blood tests and an
electrocardiogram a test that measures your heart's electrical activity. Your doctor may also
recommend additional tests, such as a cholesterol test, to check for more signs of heart disease.
Taking your blood pressure at home
An important way to check if your blood pressure treatment is working, or to diagnose worsening
high blood pressure, is to monitor your blood pressure at home. Home blood pressure monitors are
widely available, and you don't need a prescription to buy one. Talk to your doctor about how to get
started.
Changing your lifestyle can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure. Your doctor may
recommend you eat a healthy diet with less salt, exercise regularly, quit smoking and maintain a
healthy weight. But sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough.
In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood
pressure.
Your blood pressure treatment goal depends on how healthy you are.
Blood pressure treatment goals*
Less than150/90
mm Hg
If you're a healthy adult age 60 or older
Less than140/90
mm Hg
If you're a healthy adult younger than age 60
Less than140/90
mm Hg
If you have chronic kidney disease, diabetes or coronary artery disease or
are at high risk of coronary artery disease
*Although 120/80 mm Hg or lower is the ideal blood pressure goal, doctors are unsure if you need
treatment (medications) to reach that level.
If you're age 60 or older, and use of medications results in lower systolic blood pressure (such as
less than 140 mm Hg), your medications won't need to be changed unless they cause negative
effects to your health or quality of life.
Also, people older than 60 commonly have isolated systolic hypertension when diastolic pressure
is normal but systolic pressure is high.
The category of medication your doctor prescribes depends on your blood pressure measurements
and whether you also have other medical problems.
Medications to treat high blood pressure
Thiazide diuretics. Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, are medications that act on your
kidneys to help your body eliminate sodium and water, reducing blood volume.
Thiazide diuretics are often the first, but not the only, choice in high blood pressure medications.
If you're not taking a diuretic and your blood pressure remains high, talk to your doctor about
adding one or replacing a drug you currently take with a diuretic. Diuretics or calcium channel
blockers may work better for blacks than do angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
alone.
Beta blockers. These medications reduce the workload on your heart and open your blood
vessels, causing your heart to beat slower and with less force.
When prescribed alone, beta blockers don't work as well, especially in older adults, but may be
effective when combined with other blood pressure medications.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These medications help relax blood vessels
by blocking the formation of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels. People with chronic
kidney disease may benefit from ACE inhibitors as one of their medications.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These medications help relax blood vessels by
blocking the action, not the formation, of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels. People
with chronic kidney disease may benefit from ARBs as one of their medications.
Calcium channel blockers. These medications help relax the muscles of your blood vessels.
Some slow your heart rate. Calcium channel blockers may work better for older people and
blacks than do ACE inhibitors alone.
Grapefruit juice interacts with some calcium channel blockers, increasing blood levels of the
medication and putting you at higher risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if
you're concerned about interactions.
Renin inhibitors. Aliskiren (Tekturna) slows down the production of renin, an enzyme produced
by your kidneys that starts a chain of chemical steps that increases blood pressure.
Tekturna works by reducing the ability of renin to begin this process. Due to a risk of serious
complications, including stroke, you shouldn't take aliskiren with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
Additional medications to treat high blood pressure
If you're having trouble reaching your blood pressure goal with combinations of the above
medications, your doctor may prescribe:
Alpha blockers. These medications reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels, reducing the effects
of natural chemicals that narrow blood vessels.
Alpha-beta blockers. In addition to reducing nerve impulses to blood vessels, alpha-beta
blockers slow the heartbeat to reduce the amount of blood that must be pumped through the
vessels.
Central-acting agents. These medications prevent your brain from signaling your nervous
system to increase your heart rate and narrow your blood vessels.
Vasodilators. These medications work directly on the muscles in the walls of your arteries,
preventing the muscles from tightening and your arteries from narrowing.
Aldosterone antagonists. Examples are spironolactone (Aldactone) and eplerenone (Inspra).
These drugs block the effect of a natural chemical that can lead to salt and fluid retention, which
can contribute to high blood pressure.
Once your blood pressure is under control, your doctor may have you take a daily aspirin to reduce
your risk of cardiovascular disorders.
To reduce the number of daily medication doses you need, your doctor may prescribe a combination
of low-dose medications rather than larger doses of one single drug. In fact, two or more blood
pressure drugs may be more effective than one. Sometimes finding the most effective medication or
combination of drugs is a matter of trial and error.
Lifestyle changes to treat high blood pressure
No matter what medications your doctor prescribes to treat your high blood pressure, you'll need to
make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.
Your doctor may recommend several lifestyle changes, including:
Eating a healthier diet with less salt (the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH,
diet)
Exercising regularly
Quitting smoking
Losing weight
Resistant hypertension: When your blood pressure is difficult to
control
If your blood pressure remains stubbornly high despite taking at least three different types of high
blood pressure drugs, one of which should be a diuretic, you may have resistant hypertension.
Resistant hypertension is blood pressure that's resistant to treatment. People who have controlled
high blood pressure but are taking four different types of medications at the same time to achieve
that control also are considered to have resistant hypertension.
Having resistant hypertension doesn't mean your blood pressure will never get lower. In fact, if you
and your doctor can identify what's behind your persistently high blood pressure, there's a good
chance you can meet your goal with the help of treatment that's more effective.
Your doctor or hypertension specialist can evaluate whether the medications and doses you're taking
for your high blood pressure are appropriate. You may have to fine-tune your medications to come
up with the most effective combination and doses.
In addition, you and your doctor can review medications you're taking for other conditions. Some
medications, foods or supplements can worsen high blood pressure or prevent your high blood
pressure medications from working effectively. Be open and honest with your doctor about all the
medications or supplements you take.
If you don't take your high blood pressure medications exactly as directed, your blood pressure can
pay the price. If you skip doses because you can't afford the medication, because you have side
effects or because you simply forget to take your medications, talk to your doctor about solutions.
Don't change your treatment without your doctor's guidance.
Lifestyle changes can help you control and prevent high blood pressure, even if you're taking blood
pressure medication. Here's what you can do:
Eat healthy foods. Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which
emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium,
which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and total fat.
Decrease the salt in your diet. A lower sodium level 1,500 milligrams (mg) a day is
appropriate for people 51 years of age or older, and individuals of any age who are African-
American or who have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
Otherwise healthy people can aim for 2,300 mg a day or less. While you can reduce the amount
of salt you eat by putting down the saltshaker, you should also pay attention to the amount of salt
that's in the processed foods you eat, such as canned soups or frozen dinners.
Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, losing even 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) can lower
your blood pressure.
Increase physical activity. Regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure and
keep your weight under control. Strive for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.
Limit alcohol. Even if you're healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you choose to
drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for
women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and
younger.
Don't smoke. Tobacco injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the
arteries. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit.
Manage stress. Reduce stress as much as possible. Practice healthy coping techniques, such
as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. Getting plenty of sleep can help, too.
Monitor your blood pressure at home. Home blood pressure monitoring can help you keep
closer tabs on your blood pressure, show if medication is working, and even alert you and your
doctor to potential complications.
If your blood pressure is under control, you may be able to make fewer visits to your doctor if you
monitor your blood pressure at home.
Practice relaxation or slow, deep breathing. Practice taking deep, slow breaths to help relax.
There are some devices available that can help guide your breathing for relaxation. However, it's
questionable whether these devices have a significant effect on lowering your blood pressure.
Although diet and exercise are the most appropriate tactics to lower your blood pressure, some
supplements also may help lower it. However, more research is needed. These include:
Fiber, such as blond psyllium and wheat bran
Minerals, such as calcium and potassium
Supplements that increase nitric oxide or widen blood vessels (vasodilators), such as cocoa,
Coenzyme Q10 or garlic
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, fish oil supplements or flaxseed
While it's best to include these supplements in your diet as foods, you can also take supplement pills
or capsules. Talk to your doctor before adding any of these supplements to your blood pressure
treatment. Some supplements can interact with medications, causing harmful side effects, such as
an increased bleeding risk that could be fatal.
You can also practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or deep breathing, to help you relax and
reduce your stress level. These practices may temporarily reduce your blood pressure.
High blood pressure isn't a problem that you can treat and then ignore. It's a condition you need to
manage for the rest of your life. To keep your blood pressure under control:
Take your medications properly. If side effects or costs pose problems, don't stop taking your
medications. Ask your doctor about other options.
Schedule regular doctor visits. It takes a team effort to treat high blood pressure successfully.
Your doctor can't do it alone, and neither can you. Work with your doctor to bring your blood
pressure to a safe level, and keep it there.
Adopt healthy habits. Eat healthy foods, lose excess weight and get regular physical activity.
Limit alcohol. If you smoke, quit.
Manage stress. Say no to extra tasks, release negative thoughts, maintain good relationships,
and remain patient and optimistic.
Sticking to lifestyle changes can be difficult, especially if you don't see or feel any symptoms of high
blood pressure. If you need motivation, remember the risks associated with uncontrolled high blood
pressure. It may help to enlist the support of your family and friends as well.
References
1. What is high blood pressure? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-
topics/topics/hbp/. Accessed Dec. 13, 2013.
2. What is high blood pressure? American Heart Association.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/AboutHighBloodPressure/What-is-High-Blood-
Pressure_UCM_301759_Article.jsp. Accessed Dec. 13, 2013.
3. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for high blood pressure: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
reaffirmation recommendation statement. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2007;147:783.
4. Kaplan NM, et al. Overview of hypertension in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 13, 2013.
5. Egan BM. Treatment of hypertension in blacks. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 17, 2013.
6. Kaplan NM. Obesity and weight reduction in hypertension. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 17, 2013.
7. Tobacco and blood pressure. American Heart Association.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/PreventionTreatmentofHighBloodPressure/Tobacco-
and-Blood-Pressure_UCM_301886_Article.jsp. Accessed Dec. 17, 2013.
8. Understand your risk for high blood pressure. American Heart Association.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/UnderstandYourRiskforHighBloodPressure/Understand-
Your-Risk-for-High-Blood-Pressure_UCM_002052_Article.jsp. Accessed Dec. 13, 2013.
9. Kaplan NM, et al. Potassium and hypertension. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 17, 2013.
10. Rosen CJ, et al. The nonskeletal effects of vitamin D: An Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocrine Reviews.
2012;33:456.
11. High blood pressure and women. American Heart Association.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/UnderstandYourRiskforHighBloodPressure/High-Blood-
Pressure-and-Women_UCM_301867_Article.jsp. Accessed Dec. 17, 2013.
12. High blood pressure in children. American Heart Association.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/UnderstandYourRiskforHighBloodPressure/High-Blood-
Pressure-in-Children_UCM_301868_Article.jsp. Accessed Dec. 17, 2013.
13. Why blood pressure matters. American Heart Association.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/WhyBloodPressureMatters/Why-Blood-Pressure-
Matters_UCM_002051_Article.jsp. Accessed Dec. 13, 2013.
14. Kaplan NM, et al. Blood pressure measurement in the diagnosis and management of hypertension in adults.
http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 19, 2013.
15. Kaplan NM. Prehypertension. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 20, 2013.
16. Home blood pressure monitoring. American Heart Association.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofHighBloodPressure/Home-
Blood-Pressure-Monitoring_UCM_301874_Article.jsp. Accessed Dec. 13, 2013.
Apr. 28, 2014
Original article: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/definition/con-20019580
17. James PA, et al. 2014 evidence-based blood pressure guideline for the management of high blood pressure in adults:
Report from the panel members appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8). The Journal of the American
Medical Association. 2014;311:507.
18. Mann JFE. Choice of therapy in primary (essential) hypertension: Recommendations. http://www.uptodate.com/home.
Accessed Dec. 20, 2013.
19. Diltiazem: Drug information. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 26, 2013.
20. FDA drug safety communication: New warning and contraindication for blood pressure medicines containing aliskiren
(Tekturna). http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm300889.htm. Accessed Dec. 26, 2013.
21. Aspirin and heart disease. American Heart Association.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/PreventionTreatmentofHeartAttack/Aspirin-and-Heart-
Disease_UCM_321714_Article.jsp. Accessed Dec. 26, 2013.
22. Eckel RH, et al. 2013 AHA/ACC guideline on lifestyle management to reduce cardiovascular risk. Journal of the American
College of Cardiology. In press. Accessed Dec. 26, 2013.
23. Prevention and treatment of high blood pressure. American Heart Association.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/PreventionTreatmentofHighBloodPressure/Prevention-
Treatment-of-High-Blood-Pressure_UCM_002054_Article.jsp. Accessed Dec. 13, 2013.
24. Kaplan NM, et al. Treatment of resistant hypertension. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 20, 2013.
25. Kaplan NM, et al. Diet in the treatment and prevention of hypertension. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec.
26, 2013.
26. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-PolicyDocument.htm. Accessed Dec. 26, 2013.
27. Kaplan NM. Exercise in the treatment and prevention of hypertension. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 26,
2013.
28. Brook RD, et al. Beyond medications and diet: Alternative approaches to lowering blood pressure: A scientific statement
from the American Heart Association. 2013;61:1360.
29. Natural medicines in the clinical management of hypertension. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Dec. 26, 2013.
30. Sheps SG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 10, 2014.
31. Weinberg I, et al. The systolic blood pressure difference between arms and cardiovascular disease in the Framingham
Heart Study. The American Journal of Medicine. 2014;127:209.
32. Canzanello VJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 11, 2014.
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.
Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
Notice of Privacy Practices
1998-2014 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does
not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.
Advertising and sponsorship policy
Advertising and sponsorship opportunities
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic,"
"MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo
Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Mayo Clinic Hypertension

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mayo Clinic Hypertension

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mayo Clinic Hypertension

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the two main types of high blood pressure?

What are some risk factors for developing high blood pressure?

Diseases and Conditions

High blood pressure (hypertension)

You might also like