{"id":4824,"date":"2025-04-10T15:20:25","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T19:20:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/medicine\/cardiology\/?page_id=4824"},"modified":"2025-04-25T12:56:43","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T16:56:43","slug":"understanding-hypertension","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/medicine\/cardiology\/patient-care\/hypertension-clinic\/patient-education\/understanding-hypertension\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Hypertension"},"content":{"rendered":"

This site is designed to help you understand high blood pressure, or hypertension, and learn the best ways to manage it.<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n

There are a number of things that you can do to help control your blood pressure and this site will help you understand how you can help. Keep in mind that:<\/p>\n

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  1. This site has a lot of information and you will learn more each time you read it\u2026take your time!<\/li>\n
  2. Your health care provider can answer any questions you have.<\/li>\n
  3. It will take time to make changes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Most importantly, remember that when you work with your health care team to make changes with your medicines and lifestyle, you will be improving your heart and kidney health in addition to your general health and wellness.<\/p>\n

    What is hypertension?<\/h2>\n

    Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure.<\/p>\n

    What is blood pressure?<\/h2>\n

    Blood pressure refers to the pressure that blood applies to the inner walls of the arteries. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other organs and parts of the body.<\/p>\n

    \"\"Your blood pressure gives you information about how well your heart is working and what condition your arteries are in. For example, when the amount of blood your heart pumps out increases or your arteries become stiff, your blood pressure increases.<\/p>\n

    What are the symptoms of hypertension?<\/h2>\n

    Hypertension does not usually cause symptoms. That is why it is important to have routine monitoring of your blood pressure to determine whether it is high.<\/p>\n

    How do I know if I have high blood pressure?<\/h2>\n

    Blood pressure can be measured in your health care provider\u2019s office, at home, or even at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Blood pressure is measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure is recorded in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).<\/p>\n

    \"\"There are two types of blood pressure monitors: manual and digital.<\/p>\n