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My blood pressure is high
Headache
Dizziness
High bp
Blood pressure rising after eating
Shortness of breath
Vertigo
Blood pressure rising at night
Lightheadedness
Nosebleed
Blurred vision
High bp in pregnancy
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
Hypertension is high blood pressure (increased pressure of blood against blood vessel walls). It's classified into primary and secondary. Primary is when the cause is unknown. Secondary is due to underlying conditions, such as kidney or thyroid disease. Risk factors include smoking, being overweight, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, genetics, etc. There are often no symptoms. If untreated, it can cause health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
Treatment involves medications to lower blood pressure, as well as lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Oct 18, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Q.
ACE Inhibitor Side Effects? Why Your Body Reacts + Medical Next Steps
A.
ACE inhibitor side effects can include a dry cough, dizziness on standing, fatigue, and changes in potassium or kidney function, with rare but urgent angioedema involving swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; these occur because the drug lowers blood pressure and raises bradykinin, and most reactions are manageable while serious ones are uncommon. Do not stop the medicine on your own. Contact your clinician for symptom review, blood tests, dose changes, or a switch to an ARB, and seek emergency care for breathing trouble or facial or throat swelling; there are several factors to consider, including your risks and monitoring plan, so see below for complete details that can guide your next steps.
References:
* Al-Azzawi H, Al-Azzawi T, Agrawal P, et al. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI) Therapy. [Updated 2023 Mar 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534229/
* Yilmaz B, Yilmaz V. ACE Inhibitor-Induced Cough: An Update on the Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Management. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2020 Jan 20;22(2):10. doi: 10.1007/s11906-020-1017-9. PMID: 31959955.
* Bista R, Bista K, Bhattarai S, Devkota R. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema: A Clinical Review. Am J Med. 2019 Jun;132(6):687-693. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.12.022. Epub 2019 Jan 10. PMID: 30639967.
* Palmer BF, Carrero JJ, Clegg DJ, Emmett M, Fishbane S, Fonseca VA, Greenberg A, Lerma E, Mittalhenkle A, Musso CG, Ngamvitroj A, Pathak V, Sica DA, Winkelmayer WC, Young WR. Mechanisms of drug-induced hyperkalemia. Kidney Int. 2015 Mar;87(3):527-37. doi: 10.1038/ki.2014.347. Epub 2014 Dec 10. PMID: 25506822.
* Marjot T, Riaz S, Khoy K. The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Side Effects: A Mini-Review. Open Cardiovasc Med J. 2018 Sep 28;12:124-129. doi: 10.2174/1874192401812010124. PMID: 30425679; PMCID: PMC6219154.
Q.
Confused by Blood Pressure Meds? Why Your Heart Stays at Risk + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Blood pressure medicines lower your numbers and save lives, but your heart can still be at risk if your pressure is not truly controlled, prior artery damage persists, other risks like high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking are present, or side effects and white coat or masked hypertension affect adherence and accuracy. Next steps include home blood pressure monitoring with a validated upper arm cuff aiming for under 130/80 for most adults, sharing a 1 to 2 week log with your clinician, optimizing meds and timing, strengthening lifestyle changes like sodium reduction, DASH eating and regular exercise, and screening for cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function and sleep apnea, with urgent care for severe symptoms or readings above 180/120. There are several important nuances and red flags to consider, and the complete step by step checklist is below.
References:
* Mancia G, Grassi G. Residual Cardiovascular Risk in Treated Hypertensive Patients: A Review. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2019 Jun;33(3):377-384. PMID: 30891638.
* Burnier M, et al. Challenges and future directions in the treatment of hypertension. Lancet. 2021 Apr 17;397(10283):1410-1420. PMID: 33865406.
* Mancia G, Grassi G. Beyond Blood Pressure Lowering: The Multifactorial Approach for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Hypertension. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev. 2021 Dec;28(6):531-536. PMID: 34505298.
* Weber MA, et al. Novel therapies in hypertension. Lancet. 2023 Apr 1;401(10382):1121-1132. PMID: 37000574.
* Appel LJ. Lifestyle and Hypertension: From Mechanisms to Management. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017 May 17;6(5):e005230. PMID: 28515082.
Q.
Confused by Telmisartan? Why Your Heart Strains & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. Telmisartan is an ARB that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure, reduce heart strain, and protect kidneys, and most strain comes from uncontrolled blood pressure rather than the medicine; if readings stay high or you notice dizziness, chest discomfort, or fatigue, use home monitoring, take it consistently, improve diet and activity, get labs, and ask about dose changes or combination therapy. Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden weakness, and see below for important details on side effects, exact at home measurement steps, and how to choose the right next steps with your clinician.
References:
* Sarafidis, P. A., & Kallistratos, M. S. (2019). Telmisartan: An Updated Review on its Pharmacological Profile and Therapeutic Use in Cardiovascular Diseases. *Current Medical Research and Opinion*, *35*(2), 241-255.
* Kim, J. H., & Kim, M. J. (2023). Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in Heart Failure: Current Perspectives. *International Journal of Molecular Sciences*, *24*(1), 606.
* Alshahrani, S. H., Khan, M. A., & Alshahrani, A. S. (2021). Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: A Review of their Role in Hypertension, Diabetes, and Kidney Disease. *Journal of Clinical Medicine*, *10*(15), 3350.
* Williams, B., Mancia, G., Spiering, W., Agabiti Rosei, E., Azizi, M., Burnier, M., ... & Kjeldsen, S. E. (2018). 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. *European Heart Journal*, *39*(33), 3021-3104.
* Reiner, Z., Sapunar, D., & Filipović, I. (2016). Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in Hypertension Management: A Network Meta-Analysis. *Current Hypertension Reviews*, *12*(1), 19-30.
Q.
Is Your Reading Safe? What Normal Blood Pressure Means and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg; 120 to 129 with under 80 is elevated, 130/80 or higher may be hypertension, and readings over 180 systolic or over 120 diastolic with concerning symptoms require urgent care. There are several factors to consider, including repeating accurate measurements, when lifestyle changes or medications are indicated, how often to recheck, and what to do about low readings or symptoms. See below for complete, medically approved next steps tailored to your numbers and risks.
References:
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29133354/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30165516/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32206894/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31388656/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33183861/
Q.
Labetalol Side Effects? Why Your BP Is Spiking & Medical Next Steps
A.
Labetalol side effects include fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, scalp tingling, headache, slow heart rate, and cold hands or feet; seek urgent care for severe dizziness or fainting, very slow pulse, shortness of breath or wheezing, swelling or sudden weight gain, chest pain, or signs of liver problems. If your BP is still spiking, common causes include an underdosed regimen, missed or mistimed pills, inaccurate or stressed readings, high sodium, stress, poor sleep, alcohol, interacting drugs like NSAIDs or decongestants, and secondary causes such as kidney disease or sleep apnea. Next steps include correct home BP tracking, addressing lifestyle risks, and talking with your clinician about dose changes or combination therapy, with urgent care for 180/120 or higher or concerning symptoms; do not stop labetalol suddenly, pregnancy needs closer monitoring, and there are several important details to consider below.
References:
* Shah S, Patel J, Ganti A, et al. Labetalol-induced paradoxical hypertension in the setting of pheochromocytoma crisis: A case report. SAGE Open Med Case Rep. 2021 Jul 26;9:2050313X211037307. PMID: 34345517.
* Keating GM. Labetalol: A Review of its Use in the Treatment of Hypertension. Drugs. 2018 Jan;78(1):151-172. PMID: 29302720.
* Shutter MC, Majercik SM, O'Connor M, et al. Labetalol-induced paradoxical hypertension: A case report and review of the literature. J Clin Pharmacol. 2012 Mar;52(3):439-43. PMID: 21685324.
* Pringsheim T, Davenport WJ. Safety and efficacy of labetalol in hypertensive emergencies: a systematic review. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012 Aug;14(8):548-53. PMID: 22897455.
* Dagher NN, Nazzal HK, Talleh M, et al. Pharmacological considerations of antihypertensive agents: focus on labetalol. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2011 Oct;58(4):371-8. PMID: 21822180.
Q.
Losartan Side Effects? Why Your Body is Reacting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Losartan side effects range from common dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, nasal congestion, mild stomach upset, and back pain to less common but important issues like high potassium, kidney function changes, low blood pressure, and rare allergic swelling that requires emergency care. Do not stop the medication suddenly; instead monitor your blood pressure, request kidney and potassium labs, talk with your doctor about dose adjustments or alternatives, and seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting, facial or throat swelling, or an irregular heartbeat. There are several factors to consider, so see the complete guidance below to understand why your body may be reacting, who is at higher risk, when symptoms start, and the safest medically approved next steps.
References:
* Al-Sarraf, H., Anabtawi, A. E., & Abunofal, Y. (2020). Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): A Review of Current Data. *Cureus*, *12*(7), e9293. PMID: 32821639.
* Kassim, F. O., Sika, M. D., & Sica, D. A. (2018). Safety and Tolerability of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers. *Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy*, *32*(3), 293-301. PMID: 29885141.
* Izzo, J. L., & Weir, M. R. (2011). Adverse effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers: clinical implications. *Current Cardiology Reports*, *13*(6), 553-562. PMID: 21915440.
* Sica, D. A., & Sica, C. P. (2010). Management of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker-Related Adverse Effects. *Current Hypertension Reports*, *12*(4), 282-288. PMID: 20455113.
* Burnier, M. (2007). Clinical use of angiotensin receptor blockers: side effects and new developments. *Current Hypertension Reports*, *9*(2), 119-125. PMID: 17355797.
Q.
Silent Killer? Why Your BP Is High & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider: high blood pressure is often silent and usually driven by a mix of genetics, aging, high sodium intake, excess weight, inactivity, stress, and smoking, or by secondary causes such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, thyroid or adrenal disorders, and certain medications. Medically approved next steps include confirming multiple readings with home monitoring and office checks plus labs, then reducing sodium and following the DASH diet, exercising regularly, losing weight, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, managing stress, and starting medication if needed, with urgent care for chest pain, severe headache, neurologic symptoms, vision changes, or shortness of breath. For key nuances that could change your next steps, see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Williams B, Mancia G, Spiering W, Agabiti Rosei E, Azizi M, Burnier M, et al. 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. Eur Heart J. 2018 Sep 1;39(33):3021-3104. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy339. Epub 2018 Aug 25. PMID: 30165516.
* Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, Casey DE Jr, Collins KJ, Dennison SC, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 May 15;71(19):e127-e248. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.11.006. Epub 2017 Nov 13. Erratum in: J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 Sep 25;72(13):1572. Erratum in: J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 Sep 25;72(13):1572. PMID: 29133354.
* Weber MA, Schiffrin EL, White WB, de Leeuw PW, Mancia G, Sever PS, et al. Pathophysiology of essential hypertension: a fresh look. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2018 Oct;8(5):S173-S183. doi: 10.21037/cdt.2018.09.04. PMID: 30505417; PMCID: PMC6209217.
* Chobanian AV. Hypertension: The silent killer: A current perspective. World J Cardiol. 2022 Nov 26;14(11):589-598. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v14.i11.589. PMID: 36506306; PMCID: PMC9726857.
* Loo SL, Ong YM, Ng CH, Lee PY, Lim XF, Lim YL, et al. Non-pharmacological approaches to blood pressure control: An updated comprehensive overview. J Hum Hypertens. 2023 Apr;37(4):254-266. doi: 10.1038/s41371-023-00799-6. Epub 2023 Feb 3. PMID: 36737526; PMCID: PMC9897143.
Q.
Silent Killer? High Blood Pressure Symptoms & Your Medical Next Steps
A.
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms; severe spikes can cause headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, or stroke signs that need emergency care, so regular checks are essential. If readings stay at or above 130/80, confirm on different days and work with your doctor on lifestyle changes or medications, with urgent care for around 180/120 or higher with red flag symptoms; there are several factors to consider, so see below for key details that can shape your next medical steps.
References:
* Carey, R. M., et al. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. *Hypertension, 71*(6), e13-e115.
* Mancia, G., & Grassi, G. (2022). Is primary hypertension truly asymptomatic?. *European Heart Journal, 43*(4), 302-304.
* Whelton, P. K., et al. (2019). Lifestyle Management of Hypertension: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. *Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 73*(10), 1217-1234.
* Unger, T., et al. (2022). Hypertension: diagnosis and management. *Lancet, 399*(10340), 2008-2022.
* Patel, H., et al. (2022). Hypertension in Primary Care: Review of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Important Considerations. *American Journal of Medicine, 135*(4), 421-428.
Q.
Wrong Readings? How to Measure Blood Pressure at Home + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
To get accurate home blood pressure readings, use a validated upper arm cuff that fits, avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and exercise for 30 minutes, sit with back supported and feet flat with your arm at heart level on bare skin, and stay quiet. Take two readings one minute apart at consistent times, record the results, and consider comparing your monitor with your clinician’s device. There are several factors to consider; see below for medically approved next steps, including how to confirm a diagnosis over multiple days or with ambulatory monitoring, when to start lifestyle changes or medication, and red flags that require urgent care such as readings at or above 180/120 or symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, trouble speaking, or vision changes.
References:
* Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;71(19):e127-e248.
* Viera AJ, Yagusic K, King JB, et al. Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: Patient and Health Care Provider Perspectives. J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35(4):1111-1117.
* Chobanian AV. Proper Blood Pressure Measurement and Recording: The First Step in the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension. Hypertension. 2018;71(6):995-996.
* Viera AJ, Hixson CS. Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: An Update for Clinicians. Am Fam Physician. 2023;107(1):50-58.
* Viera AJ, Shimbo D. Self-measured blood pressure monitoring at home: a clinician's guide. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2019;21(11):1642-1647.
Q.
Feeling a Silent Thump? Why High Blood Pressure Isn’t Just Stress + Medically Proven Steps
A.
High blood pressure is not just stress; sustained readings of 130/80 or higher often have no symptoms yet can silently damage your heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and vessels, and red flag symptoms or readings above 180/120 need urgent care. There are several factors to consider. See below for medically proven steps like regular monitoring, cutting sodium with a DASH-style diet, steady exercise, healthy weight loss, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, better sleep, and using prescribed medications when needed, plus key details that can guide your next healthcare decisions.
References:
* Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, Casey DE Jr, Collins KJ, Dennison CD, Himmelfarb S, Jackson SL, MacLaughlin P, Muntner P, Ovbiagele B, Pu J, Ruiz-Negrón DX, Smith SC Jr, Spencer CC, Townsend RR, Warner JJ, Wilkins JT, Wright JT Jr. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 May 15;71(19):e127-e248. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.11.006. Epub 2017 Nov 13. Erratum in: J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 May 15;71(19):2272-2275. PMID: 29133354.
* Williams B, Mancia G, Spiering W, Agabiti Rosei E, Azizi M, Burnier M, Clement FP, Coca A, de Simone G, Erdine A, Kahan T, Kjeldsen SE, Narkiewicz K, Nilsson PM, Parati G, Redón J, Schmieder RE, Staessen JA, van de Borne P, Zanchetti A; European Society of Cardiology; European Society of Hypertension. 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. Eur Heart J. 2018 Sep 1;39(33):3021-3104. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy339. PMID: 30165516.
* Cuspidi C, Sala C, Tadic M, Gherbesi E, Grassi G, Mancia G. Asymptomatic organ damage in hypertension: a systematic review. J Hypertens. 2021 Oct 1;39(10):1927-1936. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000002931. PMID: 34185121.
* Lara J, Solis I, Rueda-Robles A, Moncayo L, Riera M, Marimon F, Caballería J, Barón-López FJ, Rosell-Ortiz F, Martínez-Martínez E, García-Carrasco M, López-Carrasco P, Jiménez-Cortés A. Effectiveness of the DASH Diet in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2023 Dec 14;15(24):5256. doi: 10.3390/nu15245256. PMID: 38131333; PMCID: PMC10747440.
* Pescatello LS, Buchner DM, Jakicic JM, Powell KE, Rodriguez B. Physical Activity to Prevent and Treat Hypertension. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017 Jun;49(6):1343-1348. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001222. PMID: 28509743; PMCID: PMC5440626.
Q.
Pounding Pulse? Why Your Arteries Are Tense & Expert Losartan Next Steps
A.
A pounding pulse can be normal after stress or caffeine, but frequent or intense pounding often points to high blood pressure and tense, stiff arteries; losartan, an ARB, can relax vessels, lower pressure, and protect the heart and kidneys when prescribed appropriately. There are several factors to consider, like triggers, home blood pressure trends, when to seek urgent care, expected timing and side effects of losartan, and the lifestyle steps that make treatment work best; for these details and guidance on next steps with your clinician, see the complete answer below.
References:
* Li J, Yu Q, Wang J, Li J. Arterial Stiffness: A Neglected Target in Hypertension Treatment. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2021 Mar 4;8:647754. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.647754. PMID: 33748209; PMCID: PMC7970719.
* de Cavanagh EM, Inserra F, Ferder L. Losartan as a treatment for essential hypertension: current status and perspectives. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2015 May 14;9:2691-703. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S83460. PMID: 26028919; PMCID: PMC4437299.
* Mancia G, Kreutz R, Brunström M, Burnier M, Grassi G, Januszewicz A, Kjeldsen SE, Laurent S, Manolis AJ, McInnes GT, Narkiewicz K, Ruilope L, Schmieder RE, Van de Borne P, van der Woude FJ, Zanchetti A, Agabiti Rosei E, Ambrosioni E, Antonicelli R, Baigent C, Benetos A, Bilo G, Birlutiu V, Boggia J, Bornstein R, Boutouyrie P, Coca A, Covic A, De Buyzere M, de Simone G, de Smedt G, Degli Esposti L, Delles C, Descamps O, Dimpfel T, Dominiczak AF, Dursun E, Filipovský J, Fournier A, Fuchs FD, Garcia-Donaire JA, Gavras I, Georgiev S, Ghiadoni L, Giles T, Goessens B, Grodzicki T, Guzik TJ, Hall J, Heagerty A, Hering D, Huisman M, Jamerson K, Jankowski P, Jelakovic B, Jensen E, Kahan T, Kario K, Kostis JB, Kukulski T, Lapeyraque AL, Lazzeroni M, Lovic D, Lurbe E, Maffei S, Majercak I, Mareš V, Mark M, Marti G, Martynenko A, Menne J, Milliez P, Modesti PA, Montemayor X, Muhović D, Muiesan ML, Nilsson PM, O'Brien E, O'Rourke M, Ostojic M, Parati G, Perk J, Persu A, Picano E, Picone M, Pinto F, Polenakovic M, Polonia J, Popescu S, Prejbisz A, Reboldi G, Riemens V, Rizzoni D, Rosendorff C, Rubattu S, Sarafidis PA, Schmieder U, Sfikakis PP, Špinar J, Staessen JA, Stella A, Strandberg T, Sulimov V, Tamargo J, Tenenbaum A, Teo KK, Todorova E, Tomaszewski M, Touyz RM, Tsioufis K, Van Bortel L, Veldkamp B, Vlachopoulos C, Vraka E, Webb DJ, Whelton PK, Williams B, Wouters M, Xu D, Zizic V. 2023 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. J Hypertens. 2023 Dec 1;41(12):1829-913. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003565. PMID: 37470617.
* Franklin SS, Duprez DA, Safar ME. Pulse pressure and cardiovascular risk: an update. J Hypertens. 2016 Feb;34(2):189-97. doi: 10.1097/HJ
Q.
Silent Internal Pounding? Why Your Arteries Are Under Siege & Proven Next Steps
A.
High blood pressure silently strains and damages your arteries and vital organs, yet it is measurable, manageable, and often preventable with checking your numbers, a DASH-style diet, regular exercise, weight loss, lower sodium, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, better sleep and stress control, and medications when needed. There are several factors to consider that can change your next steps, including your personal risk profile, primary vs secondary causes, how to monitor at home, medication options, and urgent warning signs; see below for complete details that can guide safer, more personalized decisions.
References:
* Badimon L, Vilahur G, Padro T. Atherosclerosis: current perspectives on the pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 1;22(9):4796. PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33947472/
* Muntner P, Carey RM, Gidding SS, Jones DW, Lloyd-Jones D, Nwankwo T, Palaniappan L, Wiener JB, Whelton PK, Wright JS. Hypertension and cardiovascular risk: The role of arterial stiffness. Circulation. 2019 Jan 29;139(5):668-682. PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30678854/
* Mozaffarian D, Micha R, Wallace SK. Effects of dietary fat on blood lipids, lipoproteins and cardiovascular disease risk: an evidence-based approach to dietary guidance. BMJ. 2018 Jan 17;360:k574. PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29358249/
* Salloum FN, Bolick DT, Zakeri R, Topaloglu O, Salloum R, Van Tassell BW, Abbate A. Pharmacological therapies for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A review. J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2021 Dec;14(6):1038-1050. PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34547285/
* Li Y, Wu M, Ma C, Wang M, Han C, Jia S. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: Risk factors, pathogenesis, and therapeutic solutions. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jul 26;13:933441. PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35955099/
Q.
Silent Pounding? Why Your Blood Pressure Is Surging & Clinical Steps
A.
High blood pressure often rises quietly and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Common drivers include excess salt, weight gain, inactivity, stress, sleep apnea, certain medications, and temporary spikes from caffeine, nicotine, pain, or missed doses; patterns matter more than one reading, and 180/120 or higher with chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, vision changes, confusion, or weakness needs urgent care. Clinical steps include confirming home readings correctly, tracking over days, optimizing lifestyle with DASH eating, sodium reduction, exercise, weight and sleep, limiting alcohol and stopping smoking, and discussing medication and checks for secondary causes with your clinician if readings stay at or above 130/80; there are several factors to consider, and the complete, step by step guidance is below.
References:
* Unger T, Borghi C, Charchar F, et al. 2020 International Society of Hypertension Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines. J Hypertens. 2020;38(8):1395-1422. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000002416. PMID: 32371716.
* Touyz RM, Campbell N, Genest J, et al. Endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hypertension: Novel insights into mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2021 Oct;23(10):38. doi: 10.1007/s11906-021-00165-2. Epub 2021 Sep 14. PMID: 34520556.
* Parati G, Kario K, Ochoa JE, et al. Masked hypertension: an update. J Hypertens. 2021 May 1;39(5):896-904. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000002779. PMID: 33762699.
* Al-Safi ZA, White M, Al-Ansari A, et al. Lifestyle Interventions for Hypertension: A Review of Efficacy and Mechanisms. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2023 Feb;25(2):11-20. doi: 10.1007/s11906-023-01235-9. Epub 2023 Feb 15. PMID: 36790937.
* Taler SJ, Cane R, Tan M, et al. Secondary Hypertension: Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment. Can J Cardiol. 2020;36(8):1276-1288. doi: 10.1016/j.cjca.2020.04.017. Epub 2020 Apr 23. PMID: 32446700.
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Google Play Best of 2023

“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)

Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
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https://www.nature.com/articles/jhh2013140