By Rebecca Fiedler-Giordano, AGNP
Edited by Nirvana Healthcare Marketing Staff
🕑 7 minutes
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common health conditions in modern society. It’s defined as a blood pressure reading over 130/80 mmHg, also called stage 1 hypertension. For comparison, a normal blood pressure ranges from 90–120 mmHg systolic (the pressure when your heart contracts) over 60–80 mmHg diastolic (the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats).
So, what’s happening inside your body to cause high blood pressure? What are the risks, and how can it be treated effectively?
What happens in the body with hypertension?
Hypertension occurs when the force of blood pushing through your arteries remains too high for too long. Think of your arteries like a garden hose — when too much pressure builds up, the inner lining (called the endothelium) becomes damaged.
This endothelial damage makes it easier for cholesterol deposits to form, leading to plaque buildup that restricts blood flow to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain.
At Nirvana Healthcare, we can check for endothelial damage by comparing blood pressure in your arms and legs (known as the ankle-brachial index) and performing arterial ultrasounds to detect plaque buildup or arterial thickening.
How hypertension affects the heart
When arteries stiffen due to high blood pressure, your heart must work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Over time, this can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle) and increase the risk of developing an aneurysm — a dangerous ballooning of the artery that can rupture.
We can assess your heart function with diagnostic tests such as:
- EKG (electrocardiogram)
- Echocardiogram
- Aortic ultrasound (for those at higher risk of aneurysm)
Risk factors
Several lifestyle and genetic factors can increase your risk for hypertension, including:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- Diets high in sodium and low in potassium
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress and anxiety
Emotional stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (“fight-or-flight”), which temporarily raises blood pressure. Over time, this can contribute to long-term hypertension.
Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
Fortunately, lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in your blood pressure levels.
- Lose weight: A 10% reduction in body weight (e.g., 20 lbs in a 200-lb person) can lower blood pressure by about 10 mmHg systolic.
- Follow the DASH diet: A diet rich in potassium and low in sodium can reduce blood pressure by 6–10 mmHg.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, which can lower blood pressure by another 5–10 mmHg.
- Quit smoking: Tobacco chemicals irritate and damage the endothelium, increasing plaque buildup.
- Limit alcohol use and manage stress with relaxation techniques or behavioral therapy.
Even with lifestyle changes, some individuals require medication to maintain healthy blood pressure.
How Blood Pressure Medications Work
Most blood pressure medications target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) — the mechanism by which the kidneys regulate sodium, water, and vessel constriction. Common medications include:
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (e.g., valsartan)
- Aldosterone antagonists (e.g., spironolactone)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine)
- Beta blockers and alpha blockers, which calm the sympathetic nervous system
- Diuretics, which remove excess sodium and water
Many patients benefit from a combination therapy of two or more medications for optimal results.
Tips for Controlling Your Blood Pressure
- Eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce salty or processed foods.
- Stay active — regular movement supports weight loss and heart health.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol to occasional use.
- Schedule regular check-ups for early detection and prevention.
At Nirvana Healthcare, we provide comprehensive cardiovascular testing, including ultrasounds, EKGs, lab work, and blood pressure monitoring, to assess your personal risk factors and help you maintain a healthy heart.
Overall
Hypertension remains one of the most common and preventable causes of heart disease, stroke, and kidney complications.
While medications play an important role in lowering blood pressure and protecting long-term health, lifestyle remains the foundation of care. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, weight management, and stress reduction can significantly improve cardiovascular health and prevent future complications.
Patients in Newark, East Orange, Bloomfield, Hackettstown, Manalapan, and surrounding New Jersey communities can access comprehensive cardiovascular care at Nirvana Healthcare, including:
- Medication management and follow-up
- Blood pressure evaluation and monitoring
- Arterial ultrasound and EKG testing
- Lifestyle and nutrition counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is typically defined as a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher. A normal range is around 120/80 mmHg or below. Consistent readings above this level may require lifestyle changes or medical treatment.
What causes high blood pressure?
Hypertension can develop from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, including smoking, being overweight, physical inactivity, high sodium intake, low potassium intake, stress, and excessive alcohol use. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can also contribute.
Can high blood pressure be cured?
While hypertension can’t usually be cured, it can be effectively managed. Through healthy habits, such as diet and exercise, and when necessary, medications prescribed by your provider, most people can maintain normal blood pressure and prevent complications.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no noticeable symptoms until serious complications arise. In some cases, people may experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. That’s why regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection.
How can I naturally lower my blood pressure?
To lower blood pressure naturally, focus on a balanced diet (such as the DASH diet), limit sodium, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and manage stress. Even small improvements in lifestyle can have a meaningful impact on heart health.
Related
Natural Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure Safely
What Are Alcohol’s Effects on the Cardiovascular System?
The Causes and Risk Factors of a Stroke
Schedule an Appointment
At Nirvana Healthcare, we understand that obesity isn’t about willpower — it’s a complex condition driven by biology, behavior, and environment. Our goal is to combine the best of modern medicine with compassionate, personalized care.
If you’re considering GLP-1 therapy or want to explore natural strategies for improving metabolic health, schedule a consultation today. Together, we’ll find the best path toward long-term wellness.
Serving patients across Essex County, Warren County, and Monmouth County in New Jersey.
Primary Care Locations
- East Orange, NJ
- Bloomfield, NJ
- Hackettstown, NJ
- Morganville, NJ
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References
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- Gimbrone, M. A., & García-Cardeña, G. (2016). Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and the Pathobiology of Atherosclerosis. Circ Res, 118(4), 620–636. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.115.306301
- Libby, P. (2002). Inflammation in Atherosclerosis. Nature, 420, 868–874. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature01323
- Verdecchia, P., Angeli, F., et al. (2001). Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertension: Risk Factor and Treatment Benefit. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 38(4), 1049–1057. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0735-1097(01)01485-8
- Neter, J. E., Stam, B. E., et al. (2003). Influence of Weight Reduction on Blood Pressure: A Meta-analysis. Hypertension, 42(5), 878–884. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.HYP.0000094221.86888.AE
- Sacks, F. M., et al. (2001). Effects on Blood Pressure of Reduced Dietary Sodium and the DASH Diet. New England Journal of Medicine, 344, 3–10. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200101043440101
- Cornelissen, V. A., & Fagard, R. H. (2005). Effects of Endurance Training on Blood Pressure. Hypertension, 46, 667–675. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.HYP.0000184225.05629.51
- Hall, J. E. (2012). The Renin-Angiotensin System: Physiology and Pathophysiology. Comprehensive Physiology, 2(4), 2443–2492. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c110058
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Updated Nov. 24, 2025