High Blood Pressure Facts
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
When the force of your blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels is consistently too high you have developed a condition called high blood pressure or hypertension, states American Heart Association. Elevated blood pressure on regular basis (reading between 120-129 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic) is the first warning sign.
Blood pressure readings can peak quite easily and look like hypertension if you are stressed, angry, overwhelmed, highly caffeinated, sleep deprived or suffer from a white coat syndrome. Although keep in mind that these factors should not be overlooked. Over the course of time lack of sleep as well as repeatedly high stress levels can increase your chances in developing hypertension.
The next bracket on the blood pressure chart is called hypertension (reading between 130-139 mmHg systolic OR 80-90 mmHg diastolic). Your heart and blood vessels work harder but not smarter and less efficiently now. Over time the tissues inside the arteries are damaged. Your muscular arteries and heart muscle become stiffer which leads to poor function and risk of heart failure.
The Main Causes Behind Hypertension
To be frank and honest high blood pressure is often a by product of lifestyle choices and bad habits. Bad habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption contribute negatively to your blood pressure. Poor diet (low in fiber&protein and high in processed foods) and physical inactivity increase your risk of obesity and therefore your risk of developing high blood pressure.
Life situations that involve prolonged stress and lack of sleep have also been found to increase blood pressure. Genetics, some medications and high risk pregnancies can make you more prone to developing high blood pressure as well.
When To Talk To Your Doctor About Your Blood Pressure
Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if your blood pressure monitor readings stay above 120 mmHg systolic on weekly basis. It is better to be safe than sorry. Preventing high blood pressure is always a better option than managing it!
Before you meet with your doctor check in with yourself and reflect back to your daily habits and lifestyle. What sort of habits do you have that could play a role here? What could you do to manage hypertension and lower the risk of even higher blood pressure?
Your doctor should be asking questions about your lifestyle in order to make a plan to manage your blood pressure. If they suggest just medication and wish you well with prescription it is time to find another doctor! There is so much more you can do in order to take care of your heart health.
Contact medical staff immediately (in the USA 911) If your blood pressure is above 180mHg/120mmHg (still after the second and third take). Your home country’s emergency services number could also be 000 or 112.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Is A Massive Health Risk
High blood pressure can cause damage to your organs such as your heart, brain, kidneys or eyes over time. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, erectile dysfunction and loss of vision.
High blood pressure is called a silent killer for a reason. There are no visible symptoms that would indicate you suffer from early stages of hypertension. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, severe headaches or palpitations indicate that the risk of heart or other organ failure is real.
Therefore we want to empower you to take action today. Find The Best Blood Pressure Monitor and start your journey towards happier and healthier tomorrow!
For further education and reading visit our friends at American Heart Association or get in touch with us.
