One in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure, and many don't even know it. How can it be? Because high blood pressure rarely has symptoms.
“High blood pressure or hypertension is known as a silent disease because you may not feel any symptoms at all,” saysKristine Dutton, FNP, klMathews Medical Center on the river.
Blood pressure is the force with which blood pushes against the walls of your blood vessels. High blood pressure exists if this force is higher than normal. It often has no signs or symptoms and can lead to other health problems if left untreated.
Blood pressure is usually a silent disease
Unfortunately, high blood pressure can occur without any abnormal symptoms being noticed.
Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations or a feeling of throbbing in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure. It is often a late sign that high blood pressure has been present for some time. Annual checkups are therefore recommended for all adults.
Get to know your numbers
Because there are no complaints, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Get to know the numbers and when you can get help from your doctor.
Your blood pressure has two numbers:
- Systolic is the top number that measures when your heart forces blood through your blood vessels.
- Diastolic is the lower number that measures the pressure between heartbeats.
For example, 120/80 indicates a systolic blood pressure of 120 and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm/Hg.
What is normal blood pressure?
Both the American Heart Association and the US. The Preventive Services Task Force has published guidelines for defining healthy and high blood pressure. You can follow either guideline, depending on what you and your doctor find acceptable.
USPSTF Blood Pressure Guidelines
| Normal | Systolic: less than 120 mm Hg Diastolic: less than 80 mm Hg |
| Cancelled | Systolisch: 120-129 mm Hg Diastolic: |
AHA guidelines for blood pressure
| Normal | Systolic: less than 120 mm Hg Diastolic: less than 80 mm Hg |
| Cancelled | Systolisch: 120-129 mm Hg Diastolic: less than 80 mm Hg |
| High blood pressure stage 1 (hypertension) | Systolisch: 130-139 mm Hg Diastolisch: 80-89 mm Hg |
| High blood pressure stage 2 (hypertension) | Systolic: 140 mm Hg or greater Diastolic: 90 mm Hg or higher |
| Hypertensieve crisis | Systolic: greater than 180 mm Hg Diastolic: greater than 120 mm Hg |
Who is at risk for high blood pressure?
Your family history, lifestyle, and medications can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure. Risk factors for high blood pressure include:
- The
- Obese
- Family history
- High salt diet
- Drinks too much
- Some medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, some decongestants, weight loss medications, and stimulants)
- Some underlying health conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors and thyroid disorders
- Inactivity
- Tobacco and illegal drug use
- Other things
Unfortunately, family history plays a major role. Even if you eat right, are physically active and avoid risk factors, you can still suffer from high blood pressure.
When should you consult a doctor?
Contact your doctor if you fall into the above risk or high blood pressure categories.
If your blood pressure is in the crisis range, contact your doctor immediately. Call 911 if you experience other symptoms such as chest pain, blurred vision, or slurred speech.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Treatment for high blood pressure usually involves medication and healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
- Loses weight
- Eat a healthy diet
- Stop smoking
- Drink less alcohol
- Reduces stress
“Changing a few daily habits, such as walking more and eating less salt, can bring blood pressure back to normal,” says Ms. Dutton.
Do you know your numbers?
make an appointmentwith Kristine Dutton today to learn your numbers.
Our caring primary care physicians are here to help you regain control of your health. Expert help is just a phone call away.
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