High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer

May is high blood pressure awareness month. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. However, most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, leading to the name “the silent killer”. Regular doctor visits and a healthy lifestyle help ensure your blood pressure is in control.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Your blood pressure is the pressure of your blood against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means this pressure is too high. There are two components to blood pressure. The top number, systolic, is the pressure when the heart is beating. The bottom number, diastolic, is when the heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure is 120 over 79 or lower. Between 120 and 129 is considered elevated, and high blood pressure starts at 130 over 80. Normal blood pressure helps keep the heart healthy.

Why High Blood Pressure is Bad

When blood pressure is consistently high, the blood vessels’ walls become damaged and develop tears. The body creates special cells to stick these tears together, but these cells also attract cholesterol and fats, forming plaque and causing atherosclerosis. This narrows the arteries, raising blood pressure further. Eventually, this can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

High blood pressure can also lead to damage of kidneys and eyes, to peripheral artery disease which causes circulation problems, and can accelerate cognitive decline. It can also cause severe complications if you are pregnant with high blood pressure.

Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, you need to get it under control. There are a few things you can do to help lower your blood pressure:

• Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week.
• Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re struggling, talk with a dietician.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Cut down on salt and processed foods.
• Moderate or eliminate alcohol consumption.

For some people, just exercising and losing weight can get blood pressure back to normal. For others, however, a doctor’s opinion and medication may be needed.

How A Doctor Can Help

As hypertension has no symptoms, most people with high blood pressure are diagnosed incidentally, when at the doctor’s office for a routine visit or another complaint. Most people with high blood pressure will need to take some kind of medication. Your doctor will prescribe one or more medications, including ACE inhibitors or diuretics to help lower your blood pressure. A doctor can also refer you to a dietician who can help you with sustainable lifestyle changes to improve your diet and health.

An annual check-up with Center for Family Medicine allows us to monitor your blood pressure. Schedule an appointment today.