Understanding Hypertension
High blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Learn about hypertension, why it matters, and what options exist when medications aren't enough.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. This increased pressure makes your heart work harder to pump blood and contributes to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers: systolic (when the heart beats) over diastolic (when the heart rests between beats). Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
Normal
< 120/80 mmHg
Elevated
120-129/<80 mmHg
Stage 1 Hypertension
130-139/80-89 mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension
≥140/90 mmHg
Why Blood Pressure Control Matters
Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages blood vessels throughout the body and significantly increases the risk of:
Heart Attack
Damaged arteries can become blocked
Stroke
Blood vessels in the brain can rupture or clog
Heart Failure
The heart becomes enlarged and weakened
Kidney Disease
Damaged kidney blood vessels impair function
Vision Loss
Blood vessels in the eyes can be damaged
Cognitive Decline
Reduced blood flow affects brain function
Treatment Options for Hypertension
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes are the foundation of blood pressure management and can be effective for many people:
Blood Pressure Medications
When lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications help control blood pressure. Common classes include:
- •Diuretics — Help kidneys remove excess sodium and water
- •ACE Inhibitors / ARBs — Relax blood vessels by blocking certain hormones
- •Calcium Channel Blockers — Relax blood vessel walls
- •Beta Blockers — Slow heart rate and reduce force of contractions
When Medications Aren't Enough: Resistant Hypertension
Some patients have resistant hypertension — blood pressure that remains above goal despite taking three or more medications at optimal doses (including a diuretic). This affects approximately 10-15% of patients with hypertension.
Why Does This Happen?
- •Overactive sympathetic nervous system — The "fight or flight" system keeps blood pressure elevated
- •Secondary causes — Conditions like sleep apnea, kidney disease, or hormonal disorders
- •Medication interactions or lifestyle factors— Certain medications, high sodium intake, or alcohol
Renal Denervation: A New Treatment Option
For patients with truly resistant hypertension, renal denervation offers a minimally invasive option. This catheter-based procedure reduces the activity of nerves around the kidney arteries that contribute to high blood pressure.
Learn More About Renal DenervationMonitoring Your Blood Pressure
Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for effective management. Home blood pressure monitoring helps:
- Track your response to treatment
- Identify "white coat hypertension" (elevated readings only at the doctor's office)
- Detect "masked hypertension" (normal office readings but elevated at home)
- Empower you to take an active role in your health
Your doctor may also recommend ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, which measures blood pressure automatically over 24 hours to get a complete picture of your daily blood pressure patterns.
Key Numbers
- Target Blood Pressure
- < 130/80 mmHg
- Americans with HTN
- ~50% of adults
- With Resistant HTN
- 10-15% of HTN patients
Hypertensive Crisis
Seek emergency care if blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mmHg, especially with:
- • Severe headache
- • Chest pain
- • Vision changes
- • Difficulty breathing
- • Numbness or weakness
Concerned About Your Blood Pressure?
If your blood pressure is difficult to control, Dr. Bleszynski can help evaluate your options, including whether renal denervation might be right for you.
Schedule Consultation(702) 805-5678