High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions in the US, but here’s the really scary part: It hardly ever comes with dramatic warning signs — it develops slowly and quietly, until the number creeps high enough that it starts affecting your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and overall health.
But once you understand what high blood pressure really is, you can take meaningful steps to manage it. Dr. Fahmi Farah and our team at Bentley Heart don’t want you to be caught off guard.
Here’s everything you should know about high blood pressure so that you can stay vigilant.
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. When that pressure stays high for too long, it damages your arteries, and your heart has to work harder than it should. That’s when serious problems begin.
There are two numbers in every reading. The top number (systolic) measures pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) measures pressure when your heart relaxes.
A normal blood pressure reading is generally below 120/80. Anything higher starts moving into the elevated or high range.
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) builds up and damages your body slowly over time, increasing your risk for:
It doesn’t matter if you feel fine. High blood pressure is rarely about how you feel day to day — it’s about what’s happening inside your arteries behind the scenes.
While most don’t feel symptoms, some clues can show up when your blood pressure is significantly elevated. These may include headaches, dizziness, vision changes, or chest discomfort.
But relying on symptoms is risky. That’s why regular monitoring matters. Whether you check at home, at a pharmacy, or during routine visits, those numbers tell you what your body can’t always communicate.
The most powerful tools for lowering blood pressure are often simple habits you start and build at home — and it doesn’t take as much as you might think.
The habits that help most are:
These habits reduce cardiac workload and support healthier arteries. Remember: Even small improvements can drop your numbers and reduce your risk of complications.
There’s a common misconception that taking blood pressure medication means you didn’t try hard enough. That’s not true.
Hypertension has many causes, including genetics, age, hormones, and underlying medical conditions. Sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough on their own, and medication becomes an important tool.
We work closely with you to choose medication that fits your needs, monitor your response, and adjust as needed. Many people use medication temporarily. Others need long-term support. Either way, it’s about protecting your heart, not judging your efforts.
Managing blood pressure isn’t a one-and-done process. It’s an ongoing partnership between you and your care team. Regular check-ins help track how well your treatment plan is working, catch problems early, and keep your heart as healthy as possible.
If you monitor your blood pressure at home, bring your readings to your appointments. These numbers help your cardiologist see the bigger picture.
High blood pressure may sound intimidating, but it’s one of the most manageable chronic conditions when caught early. With the right habits, a supportive care team, and consistent monitoring, you can protect your heart and reduce your risk of serious complications.
Ready to bring in an expert? Contact our friendly staff at 817-720-5185 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation at our office in Fort Worth, Texas, today.