High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the most common health conditions in the United States. It can affect anyone but men face unique risks.
Why men are at higher risk
“Men are at higher risk for hypertension, especially at younger ages, due to both biological differences and lifestyle choices,” said Brian Henry, MD, a cardiologist with Banner Health.
Men tend to develop high blood pressure earlier than women, especially before midlife. A few key factors play a role:
- Biology and hormones: Before midlife, hormonal differences may make men more likely to have elevated blood pressure. Higher testosterone levels impact the way men’s bodies regulate blood pressure. “Women gain some protection against hypertension from estrogen until menopause,” Dr. Henry said.
- Fat storage: Men tend to store more fat around their bellies than women.
- Immune responses: The immune responses of men tend to be more inflammatory than women.
- Lifestyle patterns: Men may have higher rates of smoking, alcohol use, poor diet and work-related stress, all of which can raise blood pressure.
Other factors that can increase your risk of high blood pressure are:
- Family history: Genetics and shared family habits can increase risk.
- Aging: Blood pressure increases naturally with age, so risk goes up over time.
- Race/ethnicity: Black adults are more likely to have hypertension and develop it earlier in life than White adults.
Understanding your risk factors can help you make better choices about your health.
How hypertension can impact men’s health
Untreated high blood pressure strains your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease and stroke: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
- Erectile dysfunction: High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, which may reduce blood flow and contribute to ED. “Erectile dysfunction is often one of the first symptoms of hypertension and it often goes ignored due to embarrassment and stigma,” Dr. Henry said. “ED can start many years before a more serious cardiovascular event.”
- Chronic kidney disease: The kidneys rely on steady blood flow to filter waste. High blood pressure can damage these vessels.
- Vision problems: High blood pressure can affect the tiny vessels in the eyes and cause vision changes.
- Cognitive problems: Hypertension increases your risk of vascular dementia.
- Fertility issues: High blood pressure can affect the quality of sperm. “Hypertension can decrease semen volume, sperm count, sperm mobility and cause abnormal sperm size and shape,” Dr. Henry said.
Even if you feel fine, high blood pressure can cause long-term health issues. It often causes harm quietly.
Blood pressure categories
Blood pressure is the pressure your blood puts on the walls of your blood vessels as it circulates through the body. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as one number over another.
The first (top) number is the systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure when your heart beats. The second (bottom) number is the diastolic blood pressure and measures pressure in between beats.
- Healthy blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure 120-129 mmHg
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130/80 to 140/90 mmHg
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140/90 mmHg and above
- Hypertensive crisis: 180/120 mmHg and above
Signs and symptoms men should not ignore
“Unfortunately, hypertension is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ with no obvious symptoms until there is advanced disease or organ damage,” Dr. Henry said.
But certain red flags of dangerously high blood pressure mean you should seek medical attention right away:
- Severe headaches
- Blurred vision
- Chest or back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Difficulty speaking
A hypertensive emergency can be life-threatening. If you notice these symptoms, call 911 or get emergency care.
How men can lower their blood pressure
Healthy habits can make a big difference, whether you are trying to prevent high blood pressure or managing it.
Try these steps to help stabilize your blood pressure and support your heart:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Even small changes can help lower your blood pressure reading.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine and quit smoking: These habits can raise blood pressure.
- Stay active: Aim for regular movement, such as walking, swimming or lifting weights.
- Choose a balanced diet: Lower sodium and follow DASH diet guidelines like choosing more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins and minimizing processed foods.
- Manage stress: Work pressure, family responsibilities and financial strain can all raise blood pressure. Relaxation exercises, deep breathing and mindfulness can help.
- Get good sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours per night.
- Be cautious with supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Some weight-loss and herbal supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) and decongestants can raise blood pressure.
- Take medications as directed: If your provider prescribes blood pressure medicine, consistency is key. If you skip doses, your blood pressure can rise again.
“Lifestyle changes can be very powerful. For many people, simple lifestyle modifications like reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy body weight and getting regular physical activity can significantly lower blood pressure and sometimes eliminate the need for medications,” Dr. Henry said.
Why routine screening matters
“Routine hypertension screening is crucial because high blood pressure can be silently damaging your heart, brain and kidneys,” Dr. Henry said. “With early detection, you can start lifestyle modifications and medication to prevent severe complications and improve long-term health outcomes.”
Regular blood pressure checks are one of the simplest ways to protect your health. Starting in early adulthood, it is important to have your blood pressure checked:
- Every three to five years if you have normal readings and every year if you have a history of elevated readings
- Even if you feel healthy
Talk to your health care provider about a screening schedule if you are Black, have had high blood pressure readings or have risk factors like family history, obesity or smoking.
Men are sometimes less likely to schedule routine visits, so building regular check-ins into your schedule can make a big difference. Blood pressure screenings are available at primary care offices, community events, pharmacies and workplace clinics.
Some people will have more normal blood pressure in the doctor’s office than they do at home, called masked hypertension. Others may have higher blood pressure in the doctor’s office than they do at home, called white coat hypertension. For these patients, home blood pressure monitoring may be important.
When to see a doctor
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your blood pressure is consistently above 130/80
- You notice symptoms like chest pain, dizziness or vision changes
- You have a family history of heart disease or stroke
- You have conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
Early care can help prevent long-term complications.
Partnering with Banner Health
Managing hypertension is a team effort. Turn to Banner Health for comprehensive care for men’s heart and vascular health, including screenings, diagnostic testing and treatment. Our providers can help you understand your blood pressure measurement and create a plan that works for you.
