What Is Mild Hypertension?

Mild hypertension, also called prehypertension, is slightly high blood pressure that is likely to develop into full hypertension if the patient does not take measures to lower it. A blood pressure reading with a systolic pressure between 120 and 139 or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 is classified as mild hypertension. Patients with the condition usually have no symptoms, and the only way the condition is diagnosed is through regular blood pressure readings. Even slightly elevated blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems, so it is important for patients with it to make healthy lifestyle changes as early as possible to prevent the progression to hypertension.

People who are overweight or obese have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure and other heart-related problems. Patients diagnosed with mild hypertension should take action to control their weight by eating healthy and getting regular exercise. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day can help lower blood pressure and burn extra calories to promote a healthy weight.

Sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats are the biggest dietary contributors to high blood pressure. People with mild hypertension should restrict their salt intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day and should severely limit saturated and trans fats. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and lean sources of protein can help keep blood pressure at healthy levels. Processed and canned foods are often high in salt and fat, so these should be avoided by patients with prehypertension.

Using tobacco and alcohol increases the risk of high blood pressure. Patients with mild hypertension should not smoke and should talk to their doctors about developing plans to quit if they do smoke or use other tobacco products. Drinking too much alcohol negatively affects the heart and can raise blood pressure. Female patients who consume alcohol should limit their intake to one drink a day, and men should have no more than two drinks per day.

Most people diagnosed with mild hypertension do not require medication or ongoing medical care for the condition. Prehypertension can rapidly turn into hypertension, however, so patients should see their doctors regularly for blood pressure readings or use a home device to take and monitor their own blood pressures. It is important for patients to stick to their diets and exercise plans even after their blood pressure readings have returned to normal levels to prevent another rise.