High Blood Pressure—Why You Should Care
Almost half of American Adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Did you know that most of the time there are no symptoms, but it can still put you in harm’s way? In fact, less than half of people with hypertension know they have it. Hypertension is a leading cause of heart attack and stroke. The higher your numbers and the longer it persists, the higher the risk. Hypertension can be treatable and even preventable. The first step is knowledge.
How do I make sense of the numbers?
If you have had your blood pressure taken, you know there are two numbers. These numbers are often affectionately called, “the top number” and, “the bottom number.” The top number represents the systolic pressure. Systolic pressure measures the pressure in the vessels as the heart is contracting to push blood out to the body. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the vessels as the heart fills with blood.
Based on the 2023 guidelines from the American Heart Association, the goal range is 120 to 130 for the systolic number and 70-80 for the diastolic number. If you notice a pattern that is outside of that range, it is important to discuss with your health care provider.
Of course, many natural daily processes can cause these numbers to be temporarily elevated such as exercise, pain, and stress. It is important to be relaxed and still when you are having your blood pressure taken with an appropriately fitting cuff to get an accurate reading.
What can I do to prevent and treat hypertension?
There are a few ways to treat or prevent hypertension. Most importantly, have your blood pressure taken regularly by your primary medical provider. In some cases, elevated blood pressure can be caused by an underlying medical condition and will need to be addressed in a condition-specific manner by your medical provider. Most of the time, however, healthy lifestyle changes can improve your blood pressure. Here are a few ways to reduce your blood pressure.
You can reduce sodium in the diet as it can cause blood pressure to rise. Exercise can help to keep blood pressure down as well. Weight loss, even 5 to 10 pounds can reduce blood pressure. Adequate daily hydration will help to reduce blood pressure. Appropriately manage stress and anxiety and sleep 7 to 8 hours a night. Limit habits such as tobacco use and overuse of alcohol.
While hypertension often is asymptomatic, it can also come with symptoms, especially when the numbers are exceptionally elevated. These symptoms may include any of the following; headache, chest pain, nausea, change in vision, shortness of breath or dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical care immediately.
Having your blood pressure in a healthy range could protect you from long-term and/or short-term harm. Prevention can be as simple as monitoring. The first step to a healthy tomorrow is being informed!
References
American Heart Association. (2023, January 24). Editors’ commentary on the 2023 esh management of arterial hypertension ... American Heart Association Journals . https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.21592 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 22). The surgeon general’s call to action to control hypertension. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/CTA.htm Oparil S;Acelajado MC;Bakris GL;Berlowitz DR;Cífková R;Dominiczak AF;Grassi G;Jordan J;Poulter NR;Rodgers A;Whelton PK; (2018, March 22). Hypertension. Nature reviews. Disease primers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29565029/