May is High Blood Pressure Awareness Month

May is High Blood Pressure Awareness month and we’re sharing this blog to help educate you on the dangers of high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and strokes in the United States. If not managed, high blood pressure can lead to a myriad of complications including aneurysms, kidney failure, and even dementia.
We want to help you take control of your heart health and get your blood pressure into a healthy range. Let’s discuss what high blood pressure is, its risks, and how to lower your blood pressure safely.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition in which a person’s blood pressure is continually elevated above the norm.
Elevated blood pressure means that there is too much pressure in the blood vessels. This results in the heart having to work harder to send blood through the body, which can lead to heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, and other issues.
High blood pressure is a common concern for many people and it is often misunderstood. In this article, we cover what high blood pressure is, as well as the dietary, lifestyle, and pharmacological tips you can use to control your blood pressure.
What Is Considered High Blood Pressure?
For High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, it’s important to know the signs of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a condition in which the blood pressure in your arteries is elevated. There are two main types of high blood pressure: systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts and ejects blood. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when the heart relaxes between beats.
A normal blood pressure range for an adult is under 120/80. People suffering from Hypertension Stage 1 have rates consistently between 130-140/80-90. Hypertension Stage 2 begins when ranges reach over 140/90. At this point, doctors usually consider blood pressure medication and recommend some lifestyle changes.
If your blood pressure ever reaches over 180 systolic or 120 diastolic you are considered in a hypertensive crisis and at imminent risk of a heart attack or stroke, seek medical attention right away.
What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, you may not even know it. This is because the symptoms are different for everyone, and often they come on very gradually. Often there are no symptoms at all until your blood pressure reaches severe levels.
However, if you do have highly elevated blood pressure, you may experience one of the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Heartburn
- Jaw pain
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or confusion
- Constipation
- Frequent or severe headaches
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood in your urine
- Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears
If you notice any of these symptoms you should check your blood pressure right away. Experiencing blood pressure symptoms usually indicates that your blood pressure is dangerously high.
What should you do if you think that you have high blood pressure?
The first thing that you should do is to go to your doctor because blood pressure is something that can be monitored and treated.
What are the Risks of High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure can lead to many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. Unfortunately, many people don’t know that high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.
Now that you understand the dangers of high blood pressure, let’s discuss how to manage it and keep your heart healthy.
What causes high blood pressure?
Up to 95% of high blood pressure patients have “essential hypertension”, meaning the exact cause can’t be determined. However, many factors can contribute to this condition. Some of the most common causes of high blood pressure include;
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Being sedentary
- Drinking too much alcohol (more than 1-2 drinks per day)
- Consuming a diet high in salt
- Genetics
- Having certain conditions like heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or chronic kidney disease
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Stress
- Age
- Sleep apnea
Dietary Tips to Lower Blood Pressure
The good news is that making some simple lifestyle changes at the first sign of hypertension can help reduce your risk of ending up on medications. For example, quitting smoking and reducing stress can have a big impact on your blood pressure.
A healthy diet and exercise can also help lower your blood pressure in many cases. Start making these dietary adjustments during High Blood Pressure Awareness Month.
Here are some dietary tips that can help you lower your blood pressure:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet- Load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Avoid eating foods high in salt- Try out sodium-free spices and avoid adding salt to your dishes. Also, look for low sodium versions of your favorite foods.
- Cut down on fatty foods- Try to avoid fried or greasy snacks and fatty cuts of meat.
- Avoid sugary drinks- Stay hydrated with plain water, try a squeeze of lemon juice for flavor.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption- If you drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day, cutting back can help lower your blood pressure.
- Aim to maintain a healthy weight- Eating too few calories or eating foods high in sugar can cause your body to become insulin resistant, which can raise your blood pressure.
Exercise Tips to Lower Blood Pressure
Exercise may lower your blood pressure, but it works best in people with normal blood pressure. This is because your heart has to work harder when your blood pressure is higher. However, regular exercise can help you stay healthy and fit, which means that you have a lower risk of developing heart disease and other health issues.
You should aim for about 150 minutes of physical activity each week (about 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week). There are many types of exercise, you can choose from walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, cycling, lifting weights, rowing, and more. The best type of exercise for you is the one that you enjoy so it’s easier to stick with.
What are the best types of exercises for lowering blood pressure? Any type of exercise that gets your blood pumping and raises your heart rate will help lower your blood pressure. The best types of exercise to lower your blood pressure are aerobic exercises like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. These activities will increase your heart rate, which will cause your blood vessels to dilate and decrease blood pressure. If you have yet to begin an exercise routine, High Pressure Awareness Month is a great time to start.
Do You Need Medicine to Manage High Blood Pressure?
In some cases, people with high blood pressure may benefit from medication. If your blood pressure is consistent and you still have difficulty controlling it, you may need to take medication. There are many types of anti-hypertension medications available and all of them are designed to reduce your blood pressure by reducing the amount of fluid your body retains.
Some medications work by reducing the amount of salt in your body, while others are designed to prevent your blood from becoming too thick. As with any medication, you should discuss your options with your doctor before starting a new blood pressure medication.
High Blood Pressure Awareness Month: Taking Control of Your Heart Health
It is important to understand the symptoms of high blood pressure, as well as the dietary and lifestyle changes, and pharmacological options you can use to control it. Doing so will help you stay healthier and happier.
Although high blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication, it is important to make these changes sooner rather than later. If you don’t, high blood pressure can ultimately lead to heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, and other serious problems.
If you have a history of high blood pressure in your family, be mindful of the symptoms of high blood pressure. Those who have not had their blood pressure checked for a while should contact us at Hillendale Primary Care. We can provide guidance on the state of your blood pressure as well as intervention if necessary. Contact us today to schedule an appointment during High Blood Pressure Awareness Month.