High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms. The only way to know that you have it is by measuring your blood pressure and getting a diagnosis from your doctor.

Although getting diagnosed with high blood pressure will not have a large impact on your day-to-day life, you will want to begin treatment right away. If left untreated, high blood pressure can damage your heart, leading to things like heart disease, a heart attack, or congestive heart failure. It can also lead to stroke, kidney damage, erectile dysfunction, or memory loss.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor might want to put you on medication, and you can start making diet and lifestyle changes.

Some of the most common blood pressure medications, include:

Learn More About Medications for High Blood Pressure

You'll also want to start checking your blood pressure regularly to ensure that treatment is working. There are a number of different ways to do it. Follow this step-by-step guide for instructions on checking it the traditional way. This chart can help you know what the numbers in a blood pressure reading mean:

A high blood pressure diagnosis is a lot to take in, and you will likely have a number of questions.

Sample questions for your doctor may include:

• What other prescriptions may interact with my high blood pressure medication?

• What should my blood pressure goal be?

• Is my weight in a healthy range, and, if not, can you help me get it in a healthy range?

• What other options are available for managing my blood pressure besides medication?

• Do I need to limit my salt intake?

• Are there any warning signs that I should stop exercising?

Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher or you have any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Change in vision

• Numbness or weakness

• Severe headache

• Difficulty speaking

If you are pregnant, contact your healthcare provider if your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.

Your High Blood Pressure Care Team

Your primary care physician may be the first doctor you talk to about your high blood pressure. In addition you might also want to add others to your team, such as:

• Dietitian/Nutritionist: They can create a customized dietary plan that may help manage your high blood pressure.

• Cardiologist: A heart specialist can check if your high blood pressure has caused any damage to your heart.

• Pharmacist: They can help with medication management, suggest ways to deal with side effects, and make recommendations to other members of your care team. 

By working with your care team and making lifestyle changes, you can take control of your high blood pressure and optimize your healthy future.

Finding Support

Although you should go to your doctor about treatment options, a support group can help you deal with day-to-day questions that come up when living with high blood pressure.

Below is a list of places you can go to for support, and a little bit about them.

American Heart Association

The AHA is the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease. Their site offers diet and lifestyle tips for getting your blood pressure under control.

Million Hearts

This national initiative led by the CDC and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services focuses on small steps people can take to prevent heart attacks and stroke.

Measure Up/Pressure Down

Read personal stories and connect with others who have decided to share their journey to controlling high blood pressure.

AHA’s Support Network

This online support group from the American Heart Association allows you to connect with others going through an array of heart issues, including high blood pressure.

Resources for Diet Advice

Low Salt Kitchen

This blog provides delicious low-salt recipes to help satisfy anyone wanting to follow a low-sodium diet.

Apps

Blood Pressure Monitor

This app allows users to track their vital signs, as well as record details like medications, weight, and other health data. Free on iOS.

Blood Pressure Companion

This app, available on iOS and Android, allows you to enter your blood pressure measurements and evaluate your numbers graphically over time. Share your readings with your doctor and set reminders to measure your BP.

Website for High Blood Pressure Products

Consumer Reports

This well-known independent nonprofit organization reviews the best home blood pressure monitors so you can keep track of your numbers.