High Blood Pressure: When to Be Concerned
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by your blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood throughout your body. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of your blood against your artery walls is too high.
Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The first number, systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure when your heart beats. The second number, diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
When Is Blood Pressure Considered High?
Blood pressure is considered stage 1 hypertension when it consistently measures:
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Systolic blood pressure: 130-139 mm Hg
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Diastolic blood pressure: 80-89 mm Hg
Blood pressure is considered stage 2 hypertension when it consistently measures:
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Systolic blood pressure: 140 mm Hg or higher
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Diastolic blood pressure: 90 mm Hg or higher
Why Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and organs, leading to serious health conditions such as:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Dementia
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Most people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms. However, some people may have:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Causes of High Blood Pressure
The exact cause of high blood pressure is often unknown. However, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing it, including:
- Family history
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Age (over 65)
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Race (African Americans)
- Obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure
Your doctor can measure your blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff. You will need to have your blood pressure measured several times over a period of time to confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
Treating High Blood Pressure
Treatment for high blood pressure typically involves lifestyle changes and medications.
Lifestyle Changes:
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Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
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Eat a healthy diet that is low in sodium and saturated fat.
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Get regular exercise (at least 30 minutes most days of the week).
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Manage stress
Medications:
Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure if lifestyle changes alone are not enough. There are several different types of blood pressure medications available, and your doctor will choose the best one for you based on your individual needs.
Preventing High Blood Pressure
There are several things you can do to help prevent high blood pressure, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get regular exercise
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Manage stress
Stories and Lessons
Story 1:
A man named John went to the doctor for a checkup and found out that his blood pressure was high. He was shocked because he had never had any symptoms. The doctor told him that he needed to make some lifestyle changes and start taking medication for his blood pressure. John was determined to make the changes, and within a few months, his blood pressure was back to normal.
Lesson:
Even if you don't have any symptoms, it's important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure can be a silent killer, so it's important to catch it early so that you can treat it before it causes any damage.
Story 2:
A woman named Mary had been overweight for most of her life. She didn't think it was a big deal, but she started to have trouble walking and breathing. She went to the doctor, and her blood pressure was sky-high. The doctor told her that she needed to lose weight to lower her blood pressure. Mary was reluctant at first, but she decided to make the change. She started eating healthier and exercising more, and within a year, she had lost 50 pounds and her blood pressure was normal.
Lesson:
Losing weight can be a great way to lower your blood pressure. Even if you don't lose a lot of weight, even a small amount can make a big difference.
Story 3:
A man named Bob smoked for most of his life. He knew it wasn't good for him, but he couldn't quit. He went to the doctor for a checkup, and his blood pressure was dangerously high. The doctor told him that he needed to quit smoking immediately. Bob was terrified, but he knew he had to do it. He joined a support group, and within a few months, he had quit smoking.
Lesson:
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, including your blood pressure. There are many resources available to help you quit, so don't be afraid to seek help if you need it.
Conclusion
High blood pressure is a serious health condition, but it can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medication. If you are concerned about your blood pressure, talk to your doctor.
Additional Tips
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Get your blood pressure checked regularly. Even if you don't have any symptoms, it's important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. This is especially important if you are over the age of 65 or have any risk factors for high blood pressure.
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Follow your doctor's orders. If your doctor prescribes medication for your blood pressure, it is important to take it as directed. Lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to lower your blood pressure, so it is important to take medication if you need it.
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Make healthy lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can all help you to lower your blood pressure. Even small changes can make a big difference.
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