When you have your blood pressure checked, the test measures the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body. When that pressure gets too high, you have high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
Think of it like pumping up a tire. Too much air pressure can damage your tire. Similarly, too much blood pressure can damage your blood vessels.
High blood pressure can damage your arteries and lead to problems such as heart disease and stroke. When you have symptoms like severe headaches, dizziness and more nosebleeds than normal, the cause could be that your blood pressure is severely high. With modern hypertension medications, blood pressure can be managed and the symptoms and lasting effects can be avoided.
You could have high blood pressure for years without noticing any symptoms. That's why it's important to get your blood pressure checked regularly, either when you see your doctor for a regular checkup or by checking it yourself at home. Several drug stores have machines set up for you to check your blood pressure for free.
Understanding the numbers
There are two numbers given when you get your blood pressure checked. The top number is the systolic blood pressure. The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure.
A top number lower than 120 and a bottom number is lower than 80 is considered normal. When the reading comes back at least twice as being higher than 140 over 90, your doctor may diagnose you with having high blood pressure. If it's in between 120 over 80 and 140 over 90, your doctor may tell you that you have pre-hypertension.
Different factors affect your blood pressure. The most common ones are your hormone levels, the condition of your kidneys, blood vessels and nervous system, and how much water and salt you have in your body.
Other factors include:
- Obesity
- Frequent stress or anxiety
- Excessive drinking
- Too much salt in your diet
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- A family history of high blood pressure
Also, African-Americans are considered to be at higher risk of high blood pressure.
If your high blood pressure goes uncontrolled, you may face more serious health problems. Potential risks include:
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Vision problems
- Chronic kidney disease
- Poor blood circulation in your legs
- A stroke
- An aneurysm
Hypertension Treatment Options
High blood pressure can be controlled. Doctors who prescribe hypertension medications often start with diuretics, also called water pills. They help rid your body of unneeded salt and water through urination. This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump your blood.
There are other hypertension medications that relax your blood vessels and reduce how hard your heart has to work to pump your blood.
Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, losing weight, limiting how much you drink and quitting smoking. A heart-healthy diet includes plenty of potassium and fiber and less salt. Regular exercise can also help keep your heart healthy. Aim for about 30 minutes or more of aerobic exercise a day.
If you have pre-hypertension, your doctor may suggest making lifestyle changes but may not prescribe blood pressure medication. Talk with your doctor about what steps you can take to improve your health.
