Understanding High Blood Pressure: Causes, Stages & Treatment

Dangerous blood pressure numbers may be caused by age, family history or personal behaviors such as lack of exercise or a high-sodium diet. Blood pressure numbers that are not maintained at a healthy level may lead to serious health consequences and require prompt treatment by a physician.

Types

• According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure (hypertension) has two stages. Stage 1 hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 to 159/99 and requires medical treatment to avoid complications.

Types

• Stage 2 hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 160/100 and higher and requires prompt treatment with medication as well as behavioral changes to avoid medical problems.

Types

• According to the Mayo Clinic, low blood pressure (hypotension) that is less than 90/60 can also be dangerous and result in fainting or shock.

Significance

• According to the Centers for Disease Control, dangerous blood pressure numbers can lead to a heart attack or stroke, which were the first and third leading killers of Americans in 2005.

Time Frame

• According to the Mayo Clinic, dangerous blood pressure numbers may build over time or may be a sudden response to a medication, illness or infection in the body.

Prevention/Solution

• According to the National Institutes of Health, dangerous blood pressure numbers can be prevented by healthy diets and daily exercise along with taking medications that control blood pressure levels.

Warning

• Uncontrolled blood pressure that remains at dangerous levels can cause significant and permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain.