High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms but can seriously damage important organs. About 9 out of 10 people in the United States will develop high blood pressure during their lifetime. The good news is that blood pressure can often be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication.

About High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls. It is measured using two numbers:

• The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
• The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80, which means 120 systolic and 80 diastolic.

According to the National Institutes of Health, blood pressure can go up and down throughout each day. Blood pressure is affected by time of day, exercise, diet, stress and other factors. But if blood pressure stays too high for too long, it can affect the health of your heart and other organs.

The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to measure it. A healthcare provider can measure your blood pressure. You can also take your own blood pressure with an electronic blood pressure monitor that can be found at most pharmacies.

Blood pressure is rated as normal, elevated or stage 1 or stage 2 high blood pressure:

• Normal blood pressure is systolic of less than 120 and diastolic of less than 80 (120/80).
• Elevated blood pressure is systolic of 120 to 129 and diastolic of less than 80.
• Stage 1 high blood pressure is when systolic is 130 to 139 or diastolic is 80 to 89.
• Stage 2 high blood pressure is when systolic is 140 or higher or diastolic is 90 or higher.

No matter your age, you should have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

Effects of High Blood Pressure

Over time, high blood pressure can cause serious health issues, such as:

Stroke and brain problems. Poor cognitive function and dementia later in life have been linked to having high blood pressure earlier in life. In addition, high blood pressure can cause the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain to burst or be blocked, resulting in a stroke. In fact, high blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke that occurs from bleeding within the brain.

Heart attack and heart disease. High blood pressure can weaken your heart because it has to work too hard. It can also make your arteries less elastic, decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leading to heart disease, heart failure and heart attack.

Chronic kidney disease. When high blood pressure causes blood vessels to constrict, the kidneys’ blood vessels can be damaged. Damaged kidneys may not able to remove all of the waste and extra fluids from your body. Extra fluids can also raise your blood pressure, leading to a dangerous cycle that causes more damage and could lead to kidney failure.

Managing High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle changes and medication can help you control your blood pressure. Healthy steps you can take to control your blood pressure are:

• Choose foods that are low in salt (sodium).
• Choose foods low in calories and fat.
• Choose foods high in fiber.
• Stay at a healthy weight or lose weight if you are overweight.
• Limit serving sizes.
• Get more exercise.
• Drink fewer or no alcoholic beverages.
• Reduce stress.
• Get enough quality sleep.
• Quit smoking.

Sometimes, your healthcare provider will prescribe one or more daily medicines to control high blood pressure. Take it exactly as directed.

If you have never had high blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of developing it by following healthy lifestyle habits.

See your healthcare provider if you have questions about your blood pressure. If you are looking for a primary care provider, visit AultmanDocs.com to find a provider in your community.

For more information on blood pressure, visit High Blood Pressure on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institutes of Health News in Health
The StayWell Company, LLC