Having your blood pressure taken is a routine assessment and an important indicator of your health. It helps your healthcare team assess your cardiovascular health, including the detection of high blood pressure, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by your blood against the walls of your arteries. It's measured in two numbers: systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure when your heart rests). Your blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg or lower, with the top number representing the systolic number and the bottom being the diastolic number.
How does high blood pressure develop?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is exactly what it sounds like - increased pressure from blood on the arterial walls. A blood pressure reading of 120-139/80-89 mmHg is considered elevated or at risk, and anything 140+/90+ mmHg is diagnosed as hypertension. Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Lifestyle choices: Diet (high in fat and salt), lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Genetics: If your family has a history of high blood pressure, you're more likely to develop it yourself.
What are the dangers of undiagnosed high blood pressure?
The scary thing about high blood pressure is that it often has no symptoms. It’s known as the silent killer because many people don’t realize they have high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Heart attack: High blood pressure puts strain on your heart, increasing your risk of a heart attack.
- Stroke: When blood vessels supplying the brain get damaged, it can lead to a stroke.
- Organ damage: High blood pressure can damage the organs due to the blood vessels being under attack, potentially leading to failure.
- Vascular issues: High blood pressure can lead to a decrease in blood circulation in your extremities. This can result in nerve damage, pain, loss of feeling and wounds not properly healing.
- Vision loss: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems or even blindness.
How can blood pressure be managed?
The good news is that high blood pressure is manageable. With lifestyle changes, medication, if needed, and regular monitoring, you can keep your blood pressure under control and significantly reduce your risk of serious health complications. Here are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure:
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit unhealthy fats, salt and processed foods.
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. This can include biking, swimming, elliptical or anything that will lead to a lower resting heart rate and, as a result, lower blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional strain on your heart and arteries.
- Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can raise your blood pressure.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease.
- See your doctor regularly: Get your blood pressure checked regularly, even if you feel fine.
At Endeavor Health, an annual Wellness Visit can help detect undiagnosed high blood pressure, preventing serious health problems. By monitoring key health indicators, we empower individuals to take control of their well-being, offering personalized strategies for effective management of their high blood pressure. Schedule your annual Wellness Visit online or by calling (847) 618-2500.
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