High blood pressure doesn’t always present symptoms, but having it can increase your risk of life-threatening health complications such as heart attack and stroke. Understanding high blood pressure and knowing yours could save your life and prevent serious health complications from occurring later on.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force the heart uses to pump blood through the arteries (the vessels that carry the blood from the heart) to the rest of the body. It is natural for blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day and night. Normally, it rises during the day when you’re moving about or exercising and begins to drop during the evening and night when resting, which reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system.
Blood pressure is recorded with a systolic pressure reading – the pressure at which the heart contracts to push blood through the arteries (when pressure is at its highest), and a diastolic pressure reading – the pressure when the heart rests between beats (when pressure is at its lowest). It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The reading is written as two numbers – systolic pressure is the higher number and the diastolic pressure is the lower number. As a general guide:
- Ideal blood pressure is usually considered between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
- A reading of 120/80mmHg -139/89mmHg suggests a risk of developing high blood pressure
- High blood pressure is classed as a reading of 140/90mmHg or higher
- Low blood pressure is 90/60mmHg or lower
High Blood Pressure
We all need a certain amount of pressure to move the blood around the body, but if overall blood pressure remains consistently high, even when resting, then this requires further investigation and may necessitate treatment and lifestyle changes to bring it back within a normal range. This is essential to reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, means blood pressure is consistently too high, making the heart work harder to pump blood around the body. It is a serious condition that rarely has any noticeable symptoms, but can cause significant cardiovascular and organ damage, deeming it a “silent killer.”
Arteries are stretchy, allowing them to cope with blood pressure going up and down, but if blood pressure is consistently high, it puts a strain on the arteries. The arteries can then lose their stretchiness and become rigid or narrow. This makes it easier for fatty material, known as atheroma, to clog them up. If the coronary arteries become clogged or damaged, it can lead to a heart attack. If the arteries carrying blood to the brain are affected, it can cause a stroke.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
There isn’t always an exact cause of high blood pressure, but it is often related to unhealthy lifestyle habits including smoking, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, being overweight, not exercising enough, and consuming too much salt. The risk of high blood pressure can also increase if you are over 65, have a relative with high blood pressure, have a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, or sleep apnea, or if you take certain medications such as appetite suppressants and cold medicines.
Diagnosing and Treating High Blood Pressure
The only way to diagnose high blood pressure is to have it checked, usually with a blood pressure cuff. It is a quick and painless process. The cuff is positioned around the arm and inflated. As air in the cuff is released, a stethoscope is used to listen to the pulse. The pressure is recorded as blood returns to the arm. Other types of blood pressure monitors include wrist monitors and finger monitors, and some types of monitors allow you to check your own blood pressure.
Treatment for high blood pressure primarily consists of lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes), medications, or both.
Without treatment, high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening conditions. It is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for an enlarged heart, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysms, and blindness. When combined with obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes, you are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Comprehensive Medical Care in Eatonton, GA
If you have high blood pressure, talk to the compassionate physicians at Lake Oconee Concierge Medicine. We offer unprecedented, 24/7 physician availability and customized care designed specifically for your medical needs, and are here to treat your current health issues as well as address your long-term health and wellness needs. Our focus is on prevention, early detection of problems, and overall wellness to keep you at your best.
To find out more about our membership-based personalized medicine services such as cardiology care, call us at (706) 484-9824 or sign up now for the very best in personalized medicine.
