Moderate Hypertension

Understanding Moderate Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic health condition in which the pressure of your blood in your arteries is too high. People with hypertension have a strain on their hearts and may experience cardiovascular disease and stroke if left untreated. There are different levels of hypertension, and moderate hypertension is categorized as having a systolic pressure between 140-159 and a diastolic pressure between 90-99. Mild hypertension is also often referred to as prehypertension and can be prevented or reversed with lifestyle changes.

Symptoms of Moderate Hypertension

Most of the time, people with moderate hypertension have no symptoms. This is why it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly for elevated levels. If left unchecked, moderate hypertension can lead to more severe symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Diagnosis of Moderate Hypertension

If you suspect high blood pressure, it’s important to get it checked by your doctor or a medical professional. The American Heart Association suggests checking your blood pressure at least once a year. However, if you have risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, or diabetes, your doctor may suggest checking your blood pressure more often.

Treatment for Moderate Hypertension

There are a variety of treatments available for moderate hypertension. Your doctor or healthcare provider can recommend the best treatment plan for you. In many cases, lifestyle changes can help reduce and control hypertension, such as:

• Eating a healthy diet low in sodium
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting the amount of alcohol consumed
• Reducing stress
• Quitting smoking

If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication. This may include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.