High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common and serious health condition for adults living in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. Understanding what it is, how it’s measured, and how to manage it can help lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Local healthcare systems in Grand Rapids – including Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health–University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health – all provide screening and treatment for high blood pressure. The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs also support blood pressure education and prevention.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Your heart pumps blood through your body via a network of blood vessels. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart beats and relaxes.

  • When your blood pressure is too high, your blood is pushing harder than normal against your artery walls.
  • Over time, this extra force damages your arteries and your organs.

How High Blood Pressure Harms Your Arteries

Constant high pressure can speed up the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. This narrows and stiffens the arteries and can lead to:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Kidney disease

Other major risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

  • Cigarette smoking (including vaping nicotine)
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Lack of physical activity

These risk factors are common in Michigan, where long winters, less outdoor activity, and higher rates of smoking and obesity contribute to heart and blood pressure problems.

How Common Is Hypertension in Grand Rapids?

Hypertension is one of the most common circulatory disorders in the United States, affecting tens of millions of adults. It:

  • Becomes more common with age
  • Is often seen in people with overweight or obesity
  • Is more frequent in people with a family history of high blood pressure

In the Grand Rapids metro area, with a population of over 200,000, thousands of adults live with high blood pressure – many without knowing it. Michigan’s cold winters and long indoor seasons can lead to less exercise and higher salt and comfort-food intake, all of which can make blood pressure harder to control.

Hypertension Usually Has No Symptoms

Most people with high blood pressure:

  • Feel completely normal
  • Have no pain or warning signs

Because the body can tolerate high blood pressure for years without obvious symptoms, you may not know you have it until it causes serious problems like a heart attack or stroke.

That’s why regular blood pressure checks are essential. Experts recommend all adults have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, and more often if:

  • You’re over 40
  • You have diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease
  • You have a strong family history of hypertension
  • You are pregnant or planning pregnancy

You can get your blood pressure checked at:

  • Your primary care provider in Grand Rapids
  • Local clinics associated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Many pharmacies and retail clinics
  • Community screenings offered by the Kent County Health Department or local health fairs

How Blood Pressure Works Inside the Body

When your heart contracts, blood is pushed out of the left ventricle into the aorta and then into your arteries. From there, blood flows into smaller vessels called arterioles, which have muscular walls.

  • These muscular walls can tighten (constrict) or relax (dilate).
  • When they narrow, they resist blood flow, and your blood pressure rises.

If blood flow is reduced, your brain, kidneys, and other organs detect this change. In response:

  • Nerves and hormones signal your heart to beat more strongly and sometimes faster.
  • Your blood vessels may constrict further.

These changes help maintain blood flow to vital organs – but at the cost of higher blood pressure. In some people, these adjustments become fixed rather than temporary, and high blood pressure becomes a long-term condition.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers, for example:
120/80 mmHg (“120 over 80”).

These two numbers represent:

  • Systolic pressure (top number)

    • The highest pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood out.
    • Normal systolic pressure is usually around 110–130 mmHg for a healthy adult.

  • Diastolic pressure (bottom number)

    • The lowest pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes and fills with blood.
    • Normal diastolic pressure is usually around 70–80 mmHg.

Your blood pressure naturally goes up during exercise, stress, or physical activity. It’s more concerning when your blood pressure is consistently high at rest, because this means:

  • Your heart is working harder than it should.
  • Your arteries are under constant extra stress.

How Blood Pressure Is Measured

Blood pressure is usually measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer, often combined with a digital monitor.

Manual Measurement

  1. An inflatable cuff is wrapped around your upper arm.
  2. The cuff is pumped up to temporarily stop blood flow in your main arm artery.
  3. The pressure in the cuff is slowly released.
  4. Using a stethoscope, the healthcare provider listens for the “thumping” sounds of blood starting to flow again:
    • The pressure when the first thump is heard = systolic pressure.
    • The pressure when the thumping disappears = diastolic pressure.

Multiple readings may be taken because:

  • Many people feel nervous in medical settings (“white coat effect”).
  • Anxiety can temporarily raise blood pressure.

Digital Measurement

Most clinics and many home devices in Grand Rapids now use automatic digital monitors that:

  • Inflate and deflate the cuff automatically
  • Measure both systolic and diastolic pressure electronically
  • Display your reading on a screen

These devices are generally accurate when used correctly and are useful for home blood pressure monitoring.

Causes and Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often develops from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Common contributors include:

  • Family history (hereditary factors)
  • Ageing – arteries become stiffer (less elastic) over time
  • Obesity or overweight
  • Lack of regular physical activity – especially during long Michigan winters
  • High-salt diet (common in processed and fast foods)
  • High intake of saturated fats
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Cigarette smoking or vaping nicotine
  • Chronic stress or poor sleep

In West Michigan, winter weather can reduce outdoor activity and increase reliance on salty, high-calorie comfort foods, which can worsen blood pressure control.

Medications That Can Raise Blood Pressure

Certain drugs can cause hypertension or make it harder to control, including:

  • Some birth control pills (combined contraceptive pill)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen
  • Some nasal drops and sprays
  • Certain cough and cold medicines
  • Some eye drops
  • Appetite suppressants and some weight-loss medications

Always check with your Grand Rapids primary care provider or pharmacist about your medications. Do not stop any prescription medication without medical advice.

Blood Pressure and Ageing

As you get older:

  • Your arteries tend to become more rigid and less elastic.
  • This can change your blood pressure pattern:
    • Higher systolic pressure
    • Lower or normal diastolic pressure

This pattern is called isolated systolic hypertension. Even though it is related to ageing, it is not a normal or harmless state and may require treatment because:

  • Higher systolic pressure further accelerates artery stiffness.
  • It increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Older adults in Grand Rapids should have their blood pressure checked regularly at their doctor’s office, senior health clinics, or community health events.

Health Risks of Long-Term High Blood Pressure

Over time, uncontrolled hypertension can damage many organs, including:

  • Brain – stroke, vascular dementia
  • Heart – heart attack, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms
  • Kidneys – chronic kidney disease, kidney failure
  • Eyes – vision problems, damage to the retina
  • Arteries – aneurysms, peripheral artery disease

Because most people with hypertension feel fine, they may not realize the damage is happening until a serious event occurs. Regular checkups with a Grand Rapids healthcare provider are essential for early detection and treatment.

Lifestyle Changes to Lower Blood Pressure

About 2 out of 5 people can significantly lower their blood pressure with lifestyle changes alone. Even if you need medication, healthy habits make your treatment more effective.

Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Tips

  • Maintain a healthy weight

    • Work with your doctor or a dietitian in Grand Rapids to set a realistic weight goal.

  • Eat a high-fiber, low-fat, low-salt diet

    • Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lean proteins.
    • Limit processed foods, fast food, and salty snacks – especially during winter when comfort foods are tempting.

  • Reduce saturated fats and cholesterol

    • Choose fish, skinless poultry, and plant-based proteins more often.
    • Limit red meat, full-fat dairy, and fried foods.

  • Limit salt (sodium) intake

    • Read food labels.
    • Avoid adding extra salt at the table and during cooking.

  • Quit smoking (and avoid vaping nicotine)

    • Smoking damages your arteries and greatly increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
    • Local resources in Grand Rapids, including Spectrum Health and Kent County Health Department programs, offer smoking cessation support.

  • Limit alcohol consumption

    • Follow recommended limits (generally up to 1 drink per day for women, up to 2 for men, or as advised by your doctor).

  • Exercise regularly

    • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking.
    • During cold Grand Rapids winters, consider indoor options:
      • Walking at local malls
      • Joining a gym or community center
      • Home workout videos or stationary bikes

Always talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.

Medications for High Blood Pressure

For many people, lifestyle changes alone are not enough. Antihypertensive medications are often needed to reach safe blood pressure levels.

How Treatment Usually Starts

  • Your doctor will typically start with low doses of one medication.
  • The dose may be gradually increased if your blood pressure is not controlled.
  • A second or third drug may be added if needed.

Common types of blood pressure medications include:

  • Diuretics (“water pills”)
  • ACE inhibitors
  • ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers)
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Beta-blockers

Most people do not experience serious side effects, but mild side effects can occur. Report any new symptoms to your Grand Rapids healthcare provider so your treatment can be adjusted if necessary.

Important Points About Medication

  • Medications control high blood pressure; they do not cure it.
  • Most people who start blood pressure medicine will need to take it long-term, often for life.
  • Never change your dose or stop your medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous.
  • Regular follow-up visits and lab tests help your doctor make sure your treatment is working safely.

Local Resources for Blood Pressure Care in Grand Rapids

If you live in Grand Rapids or Kent County, you can get help managing high blood pressure from:

  • Your primary care provider (GP/family doctor)
  • Cardiology and internal medicine specialists at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health–University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department – community health programs, screenings, and education
  • Local pharmacists – medication counseling, blood pressure checks, and advice on drug interactions

Many clinics also offer telehealth visits, which can be helpful during severe winter weather or for patients with limited transportation.

Key Points About High Blood Pressure in Grand Rapids

  • High blood pressure is common and often has no symptoms.
  • It increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
  • The top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic) both matter.
  • Certain medications, including some pain relievers, birth control pills, and nasal sprays, can raise blood pressure.
  • Lifestyle changes – healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol – can significantly lower blood pressure.
  • Many people still need medication, which must be taken as prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
  • Regular blood pressure checks at your doctor’s office, local clinics, or pharmacies in Grand Rapids are essential for early detection and control.

If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked recently, consider scheduling an appointment with a Grand Rapids healthcare provider or visiting a local clinic or pharmacy for a screening. Early detection and treatment can protect your heart, brain, and kidneys for years to come.