Blood pressure is a crucial indicator of your overall health, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the "silent killer" because it often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure are essential steps in maintaining your health and preventing life-threatening conditions. Here’s why monitoring your blood pressure matters and what you can do to keep it in check.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It’s expressed in two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the pressure when your heart is at rest between beats). For example, a reading of 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal. For more information, check out the American Heart Association.
Why Blood Pressure Matters
High blood pressure increases the risk of several serious health conditions:
Heart Disease: Hypertension can cause your heart to work harder than normal, leading to thickening of the heart muscle, which increases the risk of having a heart attack and heart failure.
Stroke: High blood pressure can cause arteries in the brain to burst or become blocked, leading to a stroke.
Kidney Damage: Your kidneys rely on healthy blood vessels to filter waste from your blood. High blood pressure can damage these vessels, leading to kidney disease or failure.
Vision Loss: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems or blindness.
When to Monitor Blood Pressure
Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year if it’s normal (Less than 120/80 mm Hg). Those with high blood pressure or at risk for hypertension should monitor it more frequently, as recommended by their healthcare provider.
How to Manage High Blood Pressure
If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, lifestyle changes and medications can help manage it. Here are some key strategies:
Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing salt intake can significantly lower blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is particularly effective.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity strengthens your heart and helps lower blood pressure. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight can help reduce blood pressure.
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking: Both can raise blood pressure and harm your heart.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress levels.
At Premonition Health, Dr. Bezzant and his team work closely with patients to create personalized plans for managing high blood pressure. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both, depending on individual needs. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—schedule your blood pressure check today and take an important step towards a healthier future.
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