How do you feel when you have high blood pressure? Unfortunately, high blood pressure can happen without feeling any abnormal symptoms. Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure. Get to know your numbers Because there aren’t any symptoms, it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Get to know the numbers and when to get help from your doctor. Your blood pressure will have two numbers:

• Systolic is the upper number, measuring when your heart is forcing blood through your vessels.
• Diastolic is the lower number, measuring pressure between heart beats. For example, 120/80 indicates a systolic blood pressure of 120 and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm/Hg.

What is a normal blood pressure? Both the American Heart Association and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have published guidelines for defining healthy and elevated blood pressure. You can follow either guidelines, depending on what you and your doctor agree is acceptable. USPSTF Guidelines for Blood Pressure Normal Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg Diastolic:Less than 80 mm Hg Elevated Systolic: 120-129 mm Hg Diastolic: <Less than 80 mm Hg AHA Guidelines for Blood Pressure Normal Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg Elevated Systolic: 120-129 mm Hg Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg High Blood Pressure Stage 1 (Hypertension) Systolic: 130-139 mm Hg Diastolic: 80-89 mm Hg High Blood Pressure Stage 2 (Hypertension) Systolic: 140 mm Hg or higher Diastolic: 90 mm Hg or higher Hypertensive Crisis Systolic: Higher than 180 mm Hg Diastolic: Higher than 120 mm Hg Who is at risk for high blood pressure? Your family history, lifestyle and medications can increase the chances you’ll develop high blood pressure. Risk factors for high blood pressure include:

• Age
• Overweight
• Family history
• Diet high in salt
• Drinking too much
• Some medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, also known as NSAIDS, some decongestants, weight loss medicines and stimulants)
• Some underlying health conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, kidney conditions, adrenal gland tumors and thyroid diseases
• Inactivity
• Tobacco and illicit drug use

Unfortunately, family history is a large contributing factor. Even if you eat well, are physically active and avoid risk factors, you may still experience high blood pressure. When to see a doctor Consult your doctor if you fall in the at-risk or high blood pressure categories above. If your blood pressure is in the crisis range, contact your doctor immediately. Call 911 if you’re experiencing any other symptoms like chest pain, blurred vision or slurred speech. How can I lower my blood pressure in 5 minutes? If your blood pressure is elevated and you want to see an immediate change, lie down and take deep breaths. This is how you lower your blood pressure within minutes, helping to slow your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. When you feel stress, hormones are released that constrict your blood vessels. Treatment for high blood pressure will commonly include medication and healthy lifestyle changes such as:

• Losing weight
• Eating a healthful diet
• Quitting smoking
• Drinking less alcohol
• Reducing stress