High Blood Pressure: The Heart Risk You Can't Feel (But Shouldn't Ignore)

It’s National Heart Month, which makes it a timely opportunity to talk about something I see regularly in emergency medicine. I’ve evaluated countless patients for chest pain or possible heart attacks, and one thing I hear often is, “I didn’t think this could happen to me.” Many people assume that if they feel healthy, their heart must be healthy too. But one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease—high blood pressure—often develops quietly, without obvious warning signs.

And that’s exactly what makes it so dangerous. Before we talk about numbers or treatment, it’s important to understand why high blood pressure is so easy to overlook in the first place.

Why High Blood Pressure Is So Easy to Ignore

High blood pressure (hypertension) usually doesn’t cause headaches, dizziness, or obvious warning signs. In fact, according to the CDC, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure—and many don’t know they have it.

You can feel healthy, exercise regularly, and still have elevated numbers. Feeling fine does not always mean everything is fine.

I also hear patients say, “I’ll know when it’s serious.” Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Just like heart attacks can present with atypical symptoms—especially in women—high blood pressure can quietly damage your heart, brain, and kidneys over time without dramatic warning signs.

What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Actually Mean

If you’ve ever looked at your reading and thought, “Is that good or bad?” you’re not alone. Let’s simplify it.

Blood pressure is written as two numbers:

• Systolic (the top number): pressure when your heart beats
• Diastolic (the bottom number): pressure when your heart relaxes

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Normal: Less than 120/80

• Elevated: 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic

• Hypertension (Stage 1): 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic

• Hypertension (Stage 2): 140/90 or higher

One important point: a single high reading does not automatically mean you have hypertension. Improper technique, stress, caffeine, illness, or even rushing into an appointment can temporarily elevate your numbers. For the most accurate measurement, you should be resting for 5 minutes, sitting with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, arm supported at the level of your heart, and the cuff directly in contact with your skin. Remember, the focus is not just on one measurement, but the pattern over time.

But you can’t see patterns if you’re not checking.

Who Should Be Paying Closer Attention?

If you’re a busy parent juggling your own health plus your spouse’s and your parents’, or a healthy, active professional who rarely needs medical care, blood pressure may not be top of mind. I understand that.

However, you should be especially proactive if you have:

• A family history of heart disease or stroke
• A history of high blood pressure during pregnancy (including preeclampsia)
• High stress levels or poor sleep
• A diet high in sodium or processed foods
• Limited physical activity
• Diabetes, high cholesterol, or kidney disease

Heart disease and stroke remain leading causes of death in the United States. The encouraging news? Managing blood pressure significantly reduces your risk.

Early detection makes a real difference.

Why Untreated High Blood Pressure Matters

High blood pressure forces your heart and blood vessels to work harder than they should. Over time, that strain can lead to:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Heart failure
• Vision problems

And again, this damage can happen quietly.

For my female patients, especially, I remind them that heart-related symptoms don’t always look like the dramatic “crushing chest pain” we see in movies. Sometimes it’s pressure. Sometimes it’s fatigue. Sometimes it’s just feeling off.

If you’re having symptoms that are new, unusual, or concerning for you, don’t assume you’ll automatically know when it’s serious. It’s always better to get checked.

When Should You Get Your Blood Pressure Checked?

If it’s been more than a year since your last reading, that’s a good reason to check. So is:

• Starting a new medication
• Experiencing increased stress
• Noticing swelling, headaches, or chest discomfort
• Preparing for pregnancy
• Having a family member recently diagnosed with heart disease

You don’t need to feel sick to justify checking your numbers.

At RightCare Clinic, we offer same-day appointments for blood pressure checks and evaluation. If needed, we can perform EKGs, lab testing—including cardiac enzyme testing like troponin when clinically appropriate—and imaging such as X-rays or CT scans. We also coordinate referrals to cardiology when ongoing management is needed.

Sometimes patients hesitate because they don’t want to “overreact.” I would much rather see you for reassurance than miss an opportunity to intervene early.

Better safe than sorry.

Knowing Your Numbers Is Powerful

One of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your heart is to know your blood pressure. It’s quick. It’s non-invasive. And it gives us valuable information about your long-term health.

You don’t have to feel sick to take your heart health seriously.

If you’re unsure about your blood pressure—or it’s been a while since it was checked—RightCare Clinic makes it easy. Schedule a same-day visit to get your numbers, ask questions, and get clear guidance from our board-certified emergency medicine physicians.

Call 616-888-3710 or book online today. Your heart may be quiet—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth listening to.

Todd Chassee, MD, FACEP, is Medical Director for RightCare Clinic and Vice President of Clinical Services at Emergency Care Specialists

This educational content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a qualified health provider with medical questions. If you could have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. RightCare Clinic does not endorse specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, or opinions. This content does not establish a physician-patient relationship.