Hypertension Education
Understanding Hypertension: Your Guide to Blood Pressure & Heart Health
Empowering you with the knowledge and tools to take charge of your cardiovascular wellness.
High blood pressure, often called hypertension, is one of the most common chronic conditions, yet it frequently develops without noticeable signs or symptoms. Learning how blood pressure works, recognizing potential risk factors, and understanding proactive lifestyle habits are essential steps toward protecting your long-term heart health.
While knowledge is the first step toward prevention, routine checkups play a key role in tracking your progress. Community Health Systems, Inc. provides routine screenings, preventative evaluations, and continuous support across our health centers Community Health Systems, Inc. operates conveniently located health centers across Bloomington, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Apple Valley, and Fallbrook. Our caring staff and Telehealth options make it simpler than ever to access dependable adult medical services when you need them most.
Click here to find a CHSI clinic near you, or click here if you are a new patient and would like to receive care.
What you will explore in this guide:
- What is Hypertension: A clear breakdown of blood pressure, how it affects your body, and why managing it matters.
The 5 Stages of Hypertension: What each blood pressure category means; from normal readings to elevated levels and crisis stages.
Control & Prevention: Practical steps, nutrition tips, and lifestyle habits to help lower and maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Blood Pressure Monitor Video Guides: Step-by-step video tutorials demonstrating how to properly set up, use, and read different at-home blood pressure monitors.
Contact your nearest community health center for questions or to schedule an appointment.
Locations
Check out these locations that offer Hypertension Services
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We will contact you within 2-business days to set up your appointment!
What is Hypertension?
High blood pressure, also known as the silent killer, is a medical condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.
There are usually no symptoms associated with high blood pressure and if untreated, can cause health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. In a hypertensive crisis, symptoms may include:
Severe Chest Pain
Severe headache, along with confusion and blurred vision
Nausea and Vomiting
Severe Anxiety
Shortness of Breath
Nose Bleeds
There are Five Stages of Hypertension:
Normal
Systolic reading less than 120/ Diastolic less than 80
Elevated
Systolic reading of 120 – 129 / Diastolic less than 80
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1
Systolic reading of 130 – 139 / Diastolic 80 – 89
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2
Systolic reading of 140 or higher / Diastolic 90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis (consult your doctor immediately)
Systolic reading higher than 180 / Diastolic higher than 120
Control and Prevention
We encourage our patients to make the necessary lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to control hypertension conditions.
Medications may also be necessary to treat stages of hypertension. They work by lowering the blood pressure to stable levels and can reduce the risk of hypertension complications.
Regular medical checkups are also essential to manage your hypertension.
If your hypertension is left untreated, there are additional health complications that can occur, including:
Heart Attack or Stroke
Aneurysm
Heart failure
Kidney Failure
Vision Problems
Sexual Dysfunction