By: Amy Johnson, FNP-C
Control of blood pressure is critical in the protection of vital organs in our body. If uncontrolled it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. Here’s what you need to know about why blood pressure matters – and how to keep it in a healthy range.
What is a good blood pressure?
The current guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) states that a normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is any blood pressure at or above 130/80.
How does high blood pressure affect your body?
High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, but over time, it can quietly damage vital organs throughout the body. It causes weakening, narrowing and sometimes hardening of the blood vessels that feed organs like the heart, kidneys, and brain – restricting oxygen that can lead to cell damage and eventually, the organ’s ability to perform at a healthy capacity. It can also cause weakened vessels to rupture. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can also reduce blood flow, which may lead to sexual dysfunction.
Heart: The heart is forced to pump harder, which can cause the walls to thicken and increase the risk of heart failure and heart attack.
Brain: The brain can suffer a stroke, either from blocked vessels or ruptured vessels. It can also lead to dementia and mild cognitive impairment due to the lack of blood flow.
Kidneys: The arteries of the kidneys become damaged, affecting the kidneys’ ability to filter waste effectively, leading to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure.
Eyes: The blood vessels of the eyes weaken, causing fluid buildup or even rupture. This can lead to disease of the retina, blurred vision, or blindness.
What can you do to control your blood pressure at home?
Lifestyle is a key factor in managing your blood pressure. Small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference – maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, managing stress, reducing sodium intake, and avoiding processed foods. If you smoke, consider taking steps to quit – your care team can help support you along the way. If you have sleep apnea, use your CPAP or BIPAP as prescribed since uncontrolled sleep apnea also causes high blood pressure and makes it harder to treat. If you’re able, aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. Talk with your provider about your medications and take them as prescribed to help reduce your risk of complications from uncontrolled blood pressure.
The zones of blood pressure and when to call your provider:
Green: 110-140/70-95: Continue monitoring, take your medications, maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Yellow: 140-160/95-105: Caution, take your medications. If at this level for more than 3 days, call your provider’s office to schedule an appointment.
Red: 160 or higher/greater than 105: If you have symptoms such as headache, vision changes, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or confusion, call your provider right away – this may require prompt medical attention.
Can I change my outcome?
Yes. Anytime you better control your blood pressure you reduce the damage that occurs. Managing it early, however, is key as it can cause permanent damage to organs. Call your provider today to evaluate your blood pressure and discuss ways to reduce your risk of complications.
References:
American Heart Association.(2025).New high blood pressure guideline emphasizes prevention, early treatment to reduce CVD risk. www.newsroom.heart.org.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.(2026). About High Blood Pressure. www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/index.html.