Some frequently asked questions about High Blood Pressure are: 

• What Is Blood Pressure?
• Do I Have High Blood Pressure?
• What If Just the First Number Is High?
• What If My Blood Pressure Is Low?
• Some High Blood Pressure Risks You Can’t Change
• How Can I Control My Blood Pressure?
• High Blood Pressure Facts

You can have high blood pressure, or hypertension, and still feel just fine. That’s because high blood pressure often does not cause signs of illness that you can see or feel. But, high blood pressure, sometimes called “the silent killer,” is very common in older people and a major health problem. If high blood pressure isn’t controlled with lifestyle changes and medicine, it can lead to stroke, heart disease, eye problems, kidney failure, and other health problems. High blood pressure can also cause shortness of breath during light physical activity or exercise. 

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries. When the doctor measures your blood pressure, the results are given in two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, is the pressure caused by your heart contracting and pushing out blood. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure when your heart relaxes and fills with blood. Your blood pressure reading is usually given as the systolic blood pressure number over the diastolic blood pressure number, such as 138/72.

What If Just the First Blood Pressure Number Is High?

For older people, often the first number (systolic) is 140 or higher, but the second number (diastolic) is less than 90. This problem is called isolated systolic hypertension, which is due to age-related stiffening of the major arteries. It is the most common form of high blood pressure in older people and can lead to serious health problems. Isolated systolic hypertension is treated in the same way as regular high blood pressure but may require more than one type of blood pressure medication. If your doctor determines that your systolic pressure is above a normal level for your age, ask how you can lower it.

Some High Blood Pressure Risks You Can’t Change

Anyone can get high blood pressure. But, some people have a greater chance of having it because of things they can’t change. These are:

• Age. The chance of having high blood pressure increases as you get older.
• Gender. Before age 55, men have a greater chance of having high blood pressure. Women are more likely to have high blood pressure after menopause.
• Family history. High blood pressure tends to run in some families.
• Race. African Americans are at increased risk for high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure Facts

High blood pressure is serious because it can lead to major health problems. Make a point of learning what blood pressure should be. And, remember:

• High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it is serious. See a doctor to treat it.
• You can lower your blood pressure by changing your day-to-day habits and by taking medicine, if needed.
• If you take high blood pressure medicine, making some lifestyle changes may help lower the dose you need.
• If you take blood pressure medicine and your blood pressure goes down, it means medicine and lifestyle changes are working. If another doctor asks if you have high blood pressure, the answer is, “Yes, but it is being treated.”
• Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take. Don’t forget to mention over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements. They may affect your blood pressure. They also can change how well your blood pressure medicine works.
• Blood pressure pills should be taken at the same time each day. For example, take your medicine in the morning with breakfast or in the evening after brushing your teeth. If you miss a dose, do not double the dose the next day.
• Don’t take more of your blood pressure medicine than your doctor prescribes. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop. Don’t skip a day or take half a pill. Remember to refill your medicine before you run out of pills. If you cannot afford your medicines, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before having surgery, ask your doctor if you should take your blood pressure medicine on that day.
• Get up slowly from a seated or lying position and stand for a bit before walking. This lets your blood pressure adjust before walking to prevent dizziness, fainting, or a fall.

If your doctor asks you to take your blood pressure at home, keep in mind:

• There are many home blood pressure monitors for sale. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist which monitor you need and how to use it. Have your monitor checked at the doctor’s office to make sure it works correctly.
• Avoid smoking, exercise, and caffeine 30 minutes before checking your blood pressure.
• Make sure you are sitting with your feet uncrossed and on the floor and that your back is resting against something.
• Relax quietly for 5 minutes before checking your blood pressure.
• Keep a list of your blood pressure numbers, what time you measured your blood pressure, and when you took your blood pressure medication (if you take it). Share this information with your doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse.

​Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure