High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition where your blood pressure is above normal. Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries and it has two components; systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure occurs when the heart pumps. Diastolic blood pressure occurs when the heart is at rest or between pumps.

The normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. 120 is the systolic blood pressure and the 80 is the diastolic blood pressure and it reads 120 over 80. Blood pressure changes all the time. It is lower when we are sleep or relaxed and it elevates when we become anxious, nervous, excited or with any activity. This is a normal body response.

A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher is considered high. With an elevated blood pressure, your heart is working hard and a chance of getting a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems increase.

There are 2 types of hypertension.

  • Essential hypertension – is the most common and the cause is unknown and usually there are no symptoms. Many people do not know they have it until they have it checked out. It is believed that obesity or increased intake of salt may lead to hypertension. Stress or being inactive may worsen the condition.

  • Secondary hypertension - It occurs as a result of other medical conditions. It may be caused by:
    - Diseases or problems related to the thyroid, adrenal glands, or kidneys
    - Drug abuse like cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine
    - Being around chemicals such as lead or mercury
    - Alcohol and too much salt in your diet
    - Medications such as steroids, birth control medications, and aspirin.
    - Narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart

    Heart and blood vessel disease may occur when you have hypertension. The higher your blood pressure, the more at risk you are of having a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or kidney problems.

    Once you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important to follow your treatment because a lower blood pressure means a healthy life.

    High blood pressure symptoms you may experience.
    - Blurred or vision loss
    - Chest pain
    - Dizziness or fainting
    - Mild to severe headaches
    - Sudden unexplained weakness
    - Difficulty breathing
    Report to your Doctor if you have any of the high blood pressure symptoms above.

    The lifestyle changes below will help control your blood pressure
    - Avoid drinking alcohol
    - Change your diet
    - Exercise regularly
    - Reduce stress
    - Stop smoking
    - Take your medication as prescribed

    Hypertension treatment
    Your Doctor may prescribe you some lowering blood pressure medicine. He or she may give you more than one type of medicine to take. Remember, keeping your blood pressure under control will protect your heart, lungs, brain, and other organs so, it is important you follow your blood pressure treatment plan.



    Blood pressure measurement at home is needed if you have high blood pressure. Make sure you get your blood pressure equipment if you do not have it so you can check it when ever you need instead of waiting to have it checked until you see the Doctor.

    If you are going to check your blood pressure at home here is a list of the blood pressure products you are going to need.

    As always, consult your Doctor before making any life style changes or before taking any over the counter medications.



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