Do you know what your blood pressure is? A lot of people don't, and that's a problem. High blood pressure can cause all sorts of health problems, so it's important to know if yours is high. In this article, we'll discuss what high blood pressure is, the symptoms, and how to get it checked out.
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is a condition where the force of the blood pushing against your artery walls is too high. Over time, this can cause serious damage to your heart and other organs.
While there are no specific symptoms associated with high blood pressure, it's important to pay attention to any changes in your body that could indicate something is wrong. These include headaches, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), shortness of breath or chest pain.
Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), such as heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.
If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911.
The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is by visiting your doctor and getting a physical exam. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure and compare it to a range of normal values. If your reading is above the normal range, you may have high blood pressure. Depending on where your reading falls, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help lower it.
You can also monitor your blood pressure with an at-home device. While these devices may not be as accurate as a reading from your doctor, they can help you get a better idea of your blood pressure range and are useful for monitoring changes in your blood pressure.
High blood pressure can be dangerous if left untreated, so it's important to know what yours is and take steps to keep it under control. Contact New Wave Physicians to get tested for high blood pressure and make sure you're taking measures such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, which can help prevent hypertension from developing in the first place. With the right information and guidance, you can make sure that your blood pressure stays within a safe range.
