Understanding High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is typically referred to as “the silent killer.” It is one of the most dangerous, treacherous health conditions. Most people who suffer from it do not manifest any symptoms – and that ‘silence’ can be fatal.

High blood pressure can result in a variety of serious conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. This is why understanding high blood pressure is vital, and it is equally important that you are aware of your risk factors for developing it, and take the necessary steps to lower your risks.

What is blood pressure?

Simply put, it is the pressure of the blood within the artery walls. The arteries transport blood originating from the heart to the other body parts. Blood pressure typically rises and falls throughout the day.

Risk factors for high blood pressure

The common physical and hereditary risk factors for hypertension or high blood pressure include:

• Family history – If high blood pressure runs in your family, you are more likely to get it too.
• Age – Older people are more likely to suffer from hypertension.
• Gender- Men are more likely to develop hypertension until age 64. Women are more likely to become hypertensive at 65 and older.

Modifiable risk factors

• Lack of physical activity – not having an active lifestyle increases your risk.
• Unhealthy diet – good nutrition is key to overall health.
• Salt intake – consuming foods that are high in salt can cause your body to retain fluid, which elevates blood pressure.
• Being overweight – being obese puts a strain on your circulatory system as well as your heart, causing serious health issues.
• Consuming too much alcohol – heavy and regular alcohol consumption can cause your blood pressure to dramatically increase and result in a lot of health concerns, including irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), stroke, and heart failure.
• Stress – too much stress can contribute to an increase in blood pressure.
• Tobacco use – smoking can contribute to damaged arteries since it can cause your blood pressure to increase.

Being aware of your risks can help you to determine the next steps to take and the positive changes you can make.

Recommendations of the American Heart Association

Generally, there is no list of signs and symptoms of high blood pressure. If you suspect that you are suffering from hypertension, the American Heart Association strongly recommends that you have yourself evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Be aware of your blood pressure numbers and make lifestyle changes that matter to protect your heart health. 

When is high blood pressure a medical emergency?

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. If you or someone you love is experiencing a hypertensive crisis – if the blood pressure is higher than 180/120 – go immediately to your Cibolo, TX emergency room. Your local Physicians Premier facility is open 24/7, ready for any of your medical emergencies.

Sources:

“High Blood Pressure Symptoms and Causes,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm
“High Blood Pressure–Understanding the Silent Killer,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/high-blood-pressure-understanding-silent-killer
“Why is High Blood Pressure Called the Silent Killer?,” The Harley Street Heart & Vasular Centre, https://www.harleystreet.sg/blog/why-is-high-blood-pressure-a-silent-killer/
“Understanding Blood Pressure Readings,” American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
“Changes You Can Make to Manage High Blood Pressure,” American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure