What Huntsville Adults Need to Know
Feeling Fine Doesn’t Always Mean Your Blood Pressure Is Normal
Alright. Let’s set the scene.
You went in for something routine. Nothing serious.
A work physical. A community screening. A regular checkup where you thought you were just there to exist quietly.
Then the nurse looks at the cuff… looks at you… and says,
“Hmm. Your blood pressure is a little high.”
Now suddenly you’re thinking:
“Wait—me? I feel great. I came in healthy. I wasn’t even thinking about my blood pressure. I was thinking about lunch.”
So your brain starts racing:
- Is this serious?
- Do I need medication?
- What does this actually mean?
At Central North Alabama Health Services, Inc. (CNAHSI) Family Health Centers, this is a common conversation we have with adults across Huntsville and North Alabama.
Here’s what’s important to understand:
If you feel fine but had one high blood pressure reading, it’s not always an emergency or a diagnosis of high blood pressure, but it is something that deserves attention. Although some behaviors and habits can increase your risk for high blood pressure, there may be other reasons contributing or causing your high blood pressure.
This Article Is for You If:
- You were told your blood pressure was high but don’t feel sick
- You’ve had one or two high readings and aren’t sure what they mean
- High blood pressure runs in your family
- You’re worried about symptoms—or the lack of them
- You’re supporting a loved one with a blood pressure diagnosis
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
When a High Reading Might Not Mean High Blood Pressure
For many adults, one high number is just a moment—not a diagnosis.
Blood pressure can rise temporarily because of everyday things, like:
- Stress or anxiety
- Rushing to an appointment
- Coffee or energy drinks
- Talking, texting, or crossing your legs during the check
- Even needing to use the restroom
One reading is like one photo.
Helpful—but it never tells the whole story.
A single high number does not automatically mean you have high blood pressure. Providers look at patterns, including:
- More than one reading
- When and how the readings were taken
- Whether numbers stay high over time
Some people experience white coat hypertension, meaning their blood pressure reads high in medical settings but is normal elsewhere.
Translation: your blood pressure sees the exam room and says,
“Oh no. Not this place.”
Dr. Kathy Cornelius, Chief Medical Officer at CNAHSI, hears this often. Sometimes it is white coat hypertension. Other times, it’s an early sign that blood pressure may be trending upward.
As she explains:
“Feeling anxious in a medical setting is common. I get it. Our role as primary care providers is to understand what’s really happening—not to rush to conclusions.”
That’s why your care team may ask you to:
- Sit quietly for a few minutes
- Keep your feet flat on the floor
- Rest your arm and back
- Recheck your blood pressure at home or at another visit
If your blood pressure is rechecked or monitored again later, that’s not a delay—it’s careful, thorough care.
Why High Blood Pressure Often Has No Symptoms
High blood pressure usually develops slowly. Most people don’t feel pain, dizziness, or warning signs while it’s happening. That’s not because the body is failing—it’s because damage can happen quietly over time, like wear and tear you don’t notice right away.
Repeated readings tell a story.
When blood pressure stays high—often without symptoms—it can quietly strain the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and eyes.
“But I feel fine.”
We hear this often. And most people truly do feel fine. Feeling fine doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It just means the signs aren’t loud yet.
Dr. Cornelius puts it this way:
“High blood pressure is often called ‘the silent killer’ because it usually has no symptoms. Many people feel normal until a heart attack or stroke happens. That early stage—when you still feel well—is also when prevention works best.”
What High Blood Pressure That Stays High Can Really Do
Most people know high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks and strokes. But when blood pressure stays high over time, it can also cause complications many people don’t expect, including:
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Vision loss or blindness
- Kidney damage that may require dialysis
These aren’t rare or far-off outcomes. They’re real problems our providers see when high blood pressure goes unmanaged for years.
Because high blood pressure often causes no symptoms, many people don’t realize damage is happening until something serious occurs. That’s why early attention—before you feel sick—can make such a meaningful difference.
Why Blood Pressure Can Be Hard to Control
This is important and often misunderstood. High blood pressure isn’t always about behavior or “bad choices.”
Contributing factors can include:
- Family history and genetics
- Aging
- Other conditions like diabetes
- Sex , race, and/or ethnicity
None of this means you failed. For many people, managing blood pressure isn’t about willpower—it’s about having the right information, support, and plan.
What We See Every Day at Our Family Health Centers
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, more than 42% of adults in Alabama report having high blood pressure. At CNAHSI Family Health Centers, many of the patients we care for are managing high blood pressure while balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities. If this is something you’re dealing with, you are far from alone. We often meet people who felt fine for years and were surprised by a routine check. Many tell us they almost skipped follow-up because life was busy and nothing felt wrong.
That delay—not the diagnosis itself—is what causes the most regret later.
Too often, we first meet patients after an emergency room visit or a stroke that could have been prevented with earlier care. The good news is this: when high blood pressure is caught early and managed over time, much of the long-term damage can be avoided.
What the Numbers Actually Mean
Blood pressure readings look complicated, but they’re easier to understand than they seem:
-
The top number shows pressure when your heart pumps
-
The bottom number shows pressure when your heart rests
A typical healthy reading is around 120 over 80.
Blood pressure is considered high when readings are 130 over 80 or higher, especially when they stay that way over time.
Blood Pressure Categories
Systolic = top/upper number • Diastolic = bottom/lower number
| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic mm Hg (top / upper number) |
Diastolic mm Hg (bottom / lower number) |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 NORMAL | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| 🟡 ELEVATED | 120–129 | Less than 80 |
| 🟠 STAGE 1 HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure) |
130–139 | 80–89 |
| 🔴 STAGE 2 HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure) |
140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| 🟤 SEVERE HYPERTENSION (If you don’t have symptoms, call your health care professional.) |
Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
| ⚫ HYPERTENSIVE EMERGENCY (If you have any of these symptoms, call 911.) |
Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
Symptoms:
Chest pain • Shortness of breath • Back pain • Numbness • Weakness •
Change in vision • Difficulty speaking
A Quick Rule to Remember
- Slightly high once = retest and monitor
- Numbers that stay high = treat
- Very high numbers (180/120) without symptoms = recheck and call a health care professional
- Very high numbers (180/120) with symptoms = call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
How Blood Pressure Care Works at CNAHSI Family Health Centers
At CNAHSI, we aim to help patients:
- Understand blood pressure trends
- Explore care options together
- Create a realistic plan that fits daily life
- Adjust treatment over time as needed
Early attention makes a real difference.
What to Do Next If You’re Unsure
If you’re unsure what your numbers mean, the next step is simple: get clarity.
An appointment at one of our Family Health Centers can help you understand whether lifestyle changes are enough—or if medication should be considered. Patients and caregivers are welcome to bring questions and home readings.
You do not need to:
- Feel sick
- Have insurance
- Be “bad enough” to be seen
- Be ready for medication
Understanding comes first.
Many patients qualify for affordable care through our sliding fee scale (Adjustable Payment Plan). We also offer free blood pressure screenings at community events throughout Huntsville and North Alabama.
If someone you love keeps saying,
“My blood pressure is fine. I feel fine, so I’m not worried,”
this is worth sharing.
A Final Word from Dr. Cornelius
If you’re unsure what your numbers mean—or you just want peace of mind—we’re here to help.
High blood pressure doesn’t have to be scary. When you understand your numbers and have access to care, you have more control over your health.
That means more time with your kids.
More energy for the work you care about.
More years showing up for the people who depend on you.
That’s what this is really about.
Ready to Get Checked?
Schedule an appointment at one of our Family Health Centers or find a free screening event near you.
