Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where blood pressure readings exceed 130/80 mmHg, which can lead to damage to the arteries, heart, and other organs. It increases the risk of developing severe cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, and more.
Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms, making it a “silent killer,” but symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and blurred vision may occur in patients with the condition. Hypertension develops in stages, starting with elevated blood pressure, then progressing to Hypertension stages 1 and 2, and culminating in a hypertensive crisis, which requires immediate medical attention. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for early detection and management.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition in which systolic and diastolic blood pressure exceed the normal rate, leading to damage to the arteries, heart, and other organs. Patients with hypertension consistently have a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) or higher, exceeding the healthy rate of 120/80 mmHg or lower.
Patients with hypertension increase their likelihood of developing dangerous cardiovascular conditions like heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia, as well as other complications like diabetes, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and more.
What Are systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Every time the heart beats, it contracts and relaxes. During contraction, or the systole phase, blood is pushed from the heart out to the arteries, creating systolic pressure. After contraction comes the diastole phase in which the heart relaxes. The diastole phase is when the heart fills back up with blood, creating diastolic pressure.
In a blood pressure reading, the systolic pressure is always read first and is always higher than the diastolic pressure reading.
What Are the Symptoms of Hypertension?
The vast majority of patients with hypertension do not notice any distinct or recognizable symptoms. That’s one of the reasons it’s considered a “silent killer,” because people can live for years with hypertension without ever knowing it. The only way to know you have developed hypertension is to monitor your blood pressure and check it routinely.
That said, there are some warning signs people may notice that could indicate hypertension.
Possible Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
- Chest Pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Pounding in the head or ears
- Pressure in the neck
- Breathing difficulties
- Severe headaches
- Blurred vision
- Nosebleeds
While none of these symptoms alone point to hypertension, a combination of symptoms could indicate high blood pressure. Also, some of these symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue, are symptoms people notice when experiencing a heart attack, which occurs as a result of heart disease.
What Are the Stages of Hypertension?
Hypertension does not develop overnight. Well, not usually. It tends to develop slowly and worsen over time if not treated effectively.
Starting with normal blood pressure, let’s evaluate the four stages of hypertension:
Normal Blood Pressure
Normal blood pressure is the desired stage, as it indicates the patient’s pressure levels are healthy and not harmful to the heart or the arteries.
Normal blood pressure is any rate between 90/60–120/80 mmHg.
Stage 1: Prehypertension, or Elevated Blood Pressure
Elevated blood pressure, sometimes called prehypertension, is the second stage in developing hypertension. When systolic pressure levels exceed 120, even by one mmHg, the patient is considered to be in the prehypertension stage.
Cardiologists or cardiology providers will likely instruct prehypertension patients to make lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure back down to normal levels.
Elevated blood pressure can fall between 121/60–129/80 mmHg.
Stage 2: Hypertension Stage 1
Hypertension stage 1 is the first stage of full-blown hypertension, wherein systolic blood pressure levels have risen beyond the 120 range and diastolic pressure has exceeded 80 mmHg.
Cardiology specialists will definitely instruct patients to make lifestyle changes. They may also prescribe medications to lower blood pressure medically as well as holistically.
Hypertension stage 1 is defined as a blood pressure reading anywhere between 130/80–139/89 mmHg.
Stage 3: Hypertension Stage 2
Hypertension stage 2 is the second stage of full-blown hypertension, wherein the systolic blood pressure reaches or exceeds 140, and diastolic pressure reaches 90 or higher.
Cardiology specialists should definitely prescribe medications to those in hypertension stage 2 and instruct patients to make some genuine lifestyle changes to try to reduce blood pressure back down to more desirable levels.
Hypertension stage 2 involves a blood pressure reading of 140 or higher/90 or higher.
Stage 4: Hypertensive Crisis
Reaching a hypertensive crisis, sometimes considered to be “hypertension stage 3,” is a medical emergency, and hypertensive patients should seek medical attention immediately. This occurs when systolic blood pressure reaches or exceeds 180, and diastolic pressure reaches or exceeds 120.
Some hypertension patients can reach hypertensive levels and not feel any symptoms. However, it’s common when reaching a hypertensive crisis to also experience:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Back pain
- Numbing sensations
- Physical weakness or fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Trouble speaking
Some of these symptoms can occur during a stroke or a heart attack, which is why medical attention is so critical. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, but your blood pressure is reading 180 or higher/120 or higher, call 911 ASAP.
Curious if you are in any of the stages of hypertension? The cardiologists at Middle Georgia Heart can monitor your blood pressure, treat you for hypertension, and offer care for any other cardiological condition.
Our heart doctors have years of experience helping patients address their hypertension and lower their blood pressure. Through effective programs and treatment plans, we’re committed to helping you maintain or even improve your heart health for better overall health and well-being.
Schedule a consultation with us today: 478-207-5224
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