There isn’t just one level of high blood pressure. Here is the difference between primary and secondary high blood pressure.
In 2017, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association revised their high blood pressure guidelines. For example, they now consider a blood pressure reading between 120 and 129 mm Hg systolic (top number) and over 80 mm Hg diastolic (bottom number) to be elevated. The following is an overview of the different high blood pressure stages and what they mean.
Types of Hypertension
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant risk factor for heart disease. According to the new guidelines, these are the different stages of hypertension:
- Normal: less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg
- Hypertension Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
- Hypertension Stage 2: 140/90 mmm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: 180/120 mm Hg or higher
These new guidelines put more people into the elevated category, which is when treatment is recommended. If you have elevated blood pressure, talk to your doctor about treatment options to prevent it from reaching hypertension status.
Primary vs. Secondary Hypertension
It’s important to note that primary and secondary hypertension don’t refer to the different stages of high blood pressure, but the cause behind it. Most people with high blood pressure fall into the primary hypertension category, also known as essential hypertension. While a combination of factors seems to affect the development of primary hypertension, there is no one specific cause.
Some factors that play a role include not getting enough exercise, eating sodium-rich foods, being overweight or obese, stress, and smoking. Moreover, you can lower your blood pressure by making healthy changes to your lifestyle.
Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, happens when there is an identifiable cause behind your hypertension. However, only about 5% to 10% of people with high blood pressure have secondary hypertension. Some underlying causes include adrenal gland disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and thyroid abnormalities.
Other types of hypertension include resistant hypertension, malignant hypertension, and isolated hypertension. What matters is that you get the diagnosis from your healthcare provider. If you have secondary hypertension, this means treating the underlying condition, while making lifestyle changes will help with primary hypertension.
Managing Your Blood Pressure
For the most part, high blood pressure is preventable and manageable. It’s important that you keep track of your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about treatment plans, and make the necessary lifestyle changes.
For instance, some habits that may help include exercising regularly, eating healthily, and taking HeartBeet Complete. As a heart supplement, its ingredients promote circulation, blood pressure health, energy levels, and more. Give your health the support it deserves by talking to your doctor about treatment options and taking HeartBeet Complete.
