High blood pressure — also called hypertension — is one of the most common health conditions in the U.S.
It’s known as the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms, yet it can harm your heart, blood vessels, kidneys and brain over time.
High blood pressure is highly manageable. With regular checkups, adopting healthy habits and following a tailored treatment plan, many people maintain healthy numbers and significantly lower their risk of serious health issues.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When this pressure remains high over time, it makes your heart work harder, potentially leading to long-term health problems.
Many people don’t realize they have high blood pressure due to its lack of symptoms. That’s why regular blood pressure checks are crucial — especially as you age or if you have risk factors.
Why managing blood pressure matters
If left untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of:
- Heart attack and heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision problems
- Cognitive changes
Lowering blood pressure — even slightly — can significantly reduce these risks.
Risk factors for high blood pressure
You may be more likely to develop high blood pressure if you:
- Have a family history of hypertension
- Are age 40 or older
- Are physically inactive
- Eat a high-sodium diet
- Carry extra body weight
- Have diabetes or kidney disease
- Use tobacco or drink alcohol excessively
Having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean high blood pressure is inevitable — but it does mean screening and prevention are key.
High blood pressure symptoms
Most people with high blood pressure feel completely fine. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
Because symptoms aren’t reliable, the only way to know your numbers is to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
For chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or stroke-like symptoms, call 911.
How we diagnose and monitor high blood pressure
We diagnose high blood pressure using blood pressure readings taken over time — not just a single visit.
Your care may include:
- In-office blood pressure checks
- Home blood pressure monitoring
- Review of lifestyle habits
- Lab tests to check kidney function and other risk factors
This helps us build a clear picture of your heart health and choose the best treatment approach.
Treatment and management of high blood pressure
Managing high blood pressure is a personalized journey. We focus on realistic changes that fit your lifestyle.
Your care plan may include:
Lifestyle changes
- Reducing sodium intake
- Eating heart-healthy foods
- Staying active
- Managing stress
- Improving sleep
Medications
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications can help lower blood pressure safely and effectively. We’ll work with you to find the right option and adjust it as needed.
Ongoing monitoring
Regular follow-ups help keep your blood pressure controlled and reduce long-term risks.
Support beyond the doctor’s office
Healthy habits make a big difference in blood pressure control.
Our Get Healthy, Live Wellclasses like Food as Medicine: Hypertension and Congestive Heart Failure offer practical guidance on nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes that support heart health. These programs are a great complement to medical care. Learn more at tanner.org/classes-and-events.
When to seek help
Talk with your provider if your blood pressure readings are consistently high or if you have concerns about your heart health.
For chest pain, severe shortness of breath or stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately.