Hypertension is a term used for high blood pressure, in which the pressure of the blood in your arteries is more than it should be. And in the long run, it may lead to serious diseases such as a heart attack or a stroke.
High blood pressure is typically viewed as one single condition; however, the stages of hypertension make it a significant condition. Your doctor will use different stages to know how high your blood pressure is, how much your body is stressed, and what kind of treatment may be necessary for you.
Almost half of the adult population in the United States alone suffers from hypertension. Different countries and medical guidelines vary slightly in the terminology and numbers they use to categorize blood pressure stages.
What is a Normal Blood Pressure?
Normal blood pressure refers to a measurement of 120/80 mmHg or less. It means your upper number (systolic pressure) is 120 mmHg or less, and the lower number (diastolic pressure) is 80 mmHg or less. Having blood pressure readings within this range is the healthiest for the heart and blood vessels.
When blood pressure goes up, your heart needs to exert more force to pump blood to the rest of the body through the arteries. Eventually, the inside of your blood vessels gets damaged due to the increased pressure and stress, thus being exposed to the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
To accurately depict this risk, your blood pressure has been categorized into different stages depending on the numbers, such as:
- Normal Blood Pressure: In this stage, the systolic number is below 120mmhg and the diastolic is below 80mmhg
- Elevated BP: In this stage, the systolic number ranges between 120-129mmhg while the diastolic is below 80mmhg
- Stage 1: In this stage, the systolic number ranges between 130-139mmhg while the diastolic is between 80-89 mmhg
- Stage 2: In this stage, the systolic number is 140mmhg or higher while the diastolic is 90mmhg or higher.
What is Hypertension Stage 1?
Stage 1 high blood pressure is the first stage where your blood pressure stays high enough to raise further health concerns. This category of staging was first defined by the ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines and has since been used extensively in clinical practice globally.
Here, your blood pressure is higher than the usual level but not extremely high. Hence, immediate medication is not mandated in this stage.
There is still risk even if it is stage 1 hypertension. Research indicates that individuals with Stage 1 hypertension have a 35% higher risk of cardiovascular disease as compared to those with normal blood pressure. This clears the old belief that stage 1 is not a problem.
Stage 1 hypertension is a silent killer as it doesn’t show clear symptoms, especially in the beginning. Symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Feeling tense
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Sleep Problems such as apnea
- Fatigue
- Nosebleeding occasionally
- Heart pounding
What Is Stage 2 Hypertension?
Stage 2 hypertension is defined as when your blood pressure measured in the clinic is between 160/100 mmHg and 180/120 mmHg. If your home blood pressure monitor records an average reading equal to or above 150/95 mmHg, then your health care provider will diagnose it as stage 2 hypertension.
This stage means that your cardiovascular system has been under great pressure continuously, even when it is at rest.
It is dangerous because your:
- Blood vessels become less elastic
- The endothelial lining is constantly inflamed
- Micro-tearing starts in your vessel walls
Some people in stage 2 feel fine that makes it even more risky. Signs usually appear after the damage has occurred, not before. such as:
- Intense headaches
- vision changes
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
Stage 1 vs Stage 2 Hypertension
Both stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension are quite different in terms of severity and treatment. Stage 1 hypertension is mainly a period when intervention is possible to prevent further development of risk. Whereas Stage 2 hypertension is a condition that is already accompanied by the risk of serious complications and hence it requires quick medical attention.
Severity: Stage 1 is the early phase and causes early inflammation in your artery walls. In stage 1, the body sustains minimal damage, and proper care can reverse it. Whereas stage 2 is the damage phase, and the chance of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and loss of sight greatly increases.
Vessel Changes: At stage 1, your body may already be experiencing subtle vascular changes and early strain on the heart. While stage 2 refers to ongoing vascular injury, putting constant strain on your blood vessels.
Symptoms: Symptoms of stage1 may be headache, tiredness, the feeling of giddiness, while stage 2 symptoms include blurred vision, chest pressure, irregular heartbeat, and frequent nosebleeds.
How To Manage Type 1 and Type 2 Hypertension
Lowering blood pressure is often possible by just changing some of your daily habits, which, in turn, support your general cardiovascular health. First, you must know the stage of your hypertension and the level of risk involved.
If you have stage 1 hypertension, your doctor will advise you to try some lifestyle changes, among which is a heart-healthy diet mainly comprising fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while at the same time limiting your sodium intake and processed foods. You also need to focus on physical activity, stress management, sleep, and weight management.
If your hypertension is at stage 2, then you need to follow a more active approach. Along with lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe antihypertensive medications, like ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics, often in combination, to effectively lower your blood pressure.
It is advised to take your prescribed medications consistently. And do regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to prevent long-term heart complications.
Conclusion
If your blood pressure is between 120/80-140/90 mmHg, it could mean you are at risk of developing serious health problems. Usually, stage 1 can be reversed, and with the right support, stage 2 is totally manageable with the right care.
However, certain conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and a family history of heart problems, can worsen your risk if you do not pay close attention to your health and control it early.
At Kairos Integrative Care in Texas, Lola, one of our integrative healthcare providers are committed to discovering the root causes, such as stress, hormones, or metabolism, and prescribe medications only when it is necessary for you.
We see patients in Houston, Sugar Land, Richmond, and nearby areas, and telemedicine appointments are available across Texas. Major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Aetna, Ambetter, Cigna, and more.
In case you don’t know the level of your blood pressure or would like to have a more tailored plan, schedule an appointment with us today.
