High Blood Pressure

what is high blood pressure?

Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your entire body. As the blood flows, it places pressure on your artery walls.

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) occurs when your blood goes through your arteries at a greater pressure than normal. Many diverse things can cause high blood pressure. If your blood pressure becomes too high or stays high for a long time, it can lead to health problems.

There are 2 kinds of elevated blood pressure.

Main hypertension. In addition, this is called hypertension. It is called this when there's no known cause for high blood pressure. This is the most frequent type of hypertension. This kind of blood pressure usually takes many years to grow. It likely is a result of your way of life, environment, and also the way the body changes as you age.

Secondary hypertension. This is when a health issue or medication is causing your high blood pressure. Matters that can cause secondary hypertension include:

Kidney problems.
Sleep apnea.
Thyroid or adrenal gland problems.
Some medicines.

What are the signs of hypertension?

Many of us who have hypertension do not have symptoms. That is why it's sometimes known as"the silent killer." It's very important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Some folks experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath having higher blood pressure. But, those symptoms may mimic a number of other things (severe or non-serious). Ordinarily, these symptoms occur once the blood pressure has reached a dangerously high level over a period of time.

Your doctor can help you find out what may be causing yours. Frequent factors that can lead to high blood pressure include:

A diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol.

Chronic conditions such as hormone and kidney issues, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Family history, particularly if your parents or other relatives have elevated blood pressure.
Lack of physical activity.
Older age (the older you're, the more inclined you will have high blood pressure).
Being overweight or obese.
Race (non-Hispanic black men and women are more likely to have an elevated blood pressure than people of other races).
Some birth control medicines and other medications.
Stress.
Tobacco usage or drinking an excessive amount of alcohol.

High blood pressure is diagnosed with a blood pressure monitor.

This is a common test for all physician visits. A nurse will put a band (cuff) around your arm. The band is connected to a small pump and a tube. He or she'll squeeze the pump. It will feel tight around your arm. Then he or she will stop and observe the tube. This provides the nurse with 2 numbers that constitute your own blood pressure. The best number is the systolic reading (the summit blood pressure when your heart is squeezing blood out). The bottom number is the diastolic reading (the pressure once your heart is filling with blood). You may also hear the doctor or nurse state a blood pressure is"120 over 80."

Normal blood pressure is less than 120 at the upper and less than 80 over the floor.
Prehypertension levels are 120-139 on top and 80-89 on the bottom.
High blood pressure, phase 1 is 140-159 at the upper and 90-99 on the floor.
High blood pressure, stage 2 is 160 or greater on top and 100 and over on the floor.
The higher your blood pressure is better, the more frequently you will need to have it assessed. Can it more often in the event you've had elevated blood pressure previously.

If your high blood pressure is Brought on by lifestyle factors, it is possible to take steps to reduce your risk:

Slim down.
Quit smoking.
Eat properly.
Exercise.
Reduce your salt intake.
Reduce your alcohol consumption.

Learn relaxation methods.

If your hypertension is caused by illness or the medication you choose, speak with your physician. They might be able to prescribe a different medicine. In addition, treating any underlying disorder (for instance, controlling your diabetes) can decrease your hypertension.

High blood pressure treatment

The very best way to lower blood pressure starts with adjustments you can make to your daily life to help reduce your blood pressure and decrease your risk of heart disease. Furthermore, your doctor may prescribe medication to decrease your blood pressure. These are known as antihypertensive medicines.

The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels. Your doctor may prescribe medication that's easy to take and has few if any, side effects. This treatment is highly profitable. If your blood pressure can simply be controlled by medicine, you will want to choose the medication for the remainder of your life. It is normal to need more than 1 medication that will help control your blood pressure. Don't stop taking the medicine without talking with your doctor. Otherwise, you might raise your chance of having a stroke or heart attack.

Living with high blood pressure

Controlling your high blood pressure is a lifelong commitment. You may always have to observe your weight, make healthy food choices, exercise, learn how to cope with anxiety, avoid smoking, and limit your alcohol intake. Should you need medicine to control your high blood pressure, then you will likely need it all of your life.

Additionally, you will have to get used to routine blood pressure checks. Your physician may want you to come to the office frequently. Or you may be asked to check your blood pressure at home and keep an eye on your numbers for your doctor. Some pharmacies and retail clinics have blood pressure machines on the website. You can get your own, automated arm blood pressure cuff for use in your home. Your physician may want you to check your blood pressure many times each day. Another option is to utilize an ambulatory (use as you're moving around ) blood pressure monitor.

Questions to ask your Physician

Can kids have elevated blood pressure?
How much salt is too much salt?
Which are hidden resources of salt?
Can secondhand smoke result in elevated blood pressure?