High Blood Pressure

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Empower Your Lifestyle would like to discuss the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure this health condition today is known as the Silent Killer for a seriously legitimate reason.  Not only are we going to look at the symptoms of this silent killer but the causes and some things you can change right now to help lower the chances that it can strike you without warning.

Statistics of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most prevalent health conditions facing Americans today.  In fact, 68 million Americans – 1 in every 3 U.S. adults – have high blood pressure, and nearly twenty percent do not know they have it.

Less than half of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control.  High blood pressure contributes to nearly a thousand deaths a day.

Almost thirty percent of American adults have pre-hypertension, which raises the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Out of the sixty-nine percent of people who have their first heart attack, seventy-seven percent of people who have a first stroke, and seventy-four percent of people with chronic heart failure have high blood pressure and do not know it.

In 2009, nearly 350,000 American deaths were listed and included high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause.

The United States is not the only country facing high blood pressure as a rising health problem; globally, forty percent of adults ages 25 and older were reported to have high blood pressure in 2008.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure:

Symptoms of high blood pressure can go completely undetected for years but there can be some subtle signs now and then that most people do not pay much attention to until they begin to happen more frequently.

If you have a family history and high blood pressure has been reported within the family tree at any time then you could be a candidate to have the same condition even at an early age.

Some of the most common things to notice and seriously keep track of how often they occur are severe headaches. Everyone gets a headache occasionally but if you start to get them more often and they become more severe then it is time to see your doctor.

Fatigue and or confusion are things that most people do not suffer from, and especially at the same time, we can all overdo working or activities that can give us fatigue but a good night’s sleep should take care of the problem.

Blurred vision is a symptom that some will not consider when we all spend so much time on the small screen of our smartphones and computers/laptops/tablets today it is just something we expect to happen when we do not rest our eyes from staring at the screen for hours, but when this continues to happen then please see your doctor.

Ringing in your ears can signify high blood pressure especially when it goes on for hours understandably there could have been that time that you had the headphones too loud but we are being serious here.

The last five symptoms I am going to lump them together. When any of these happen you need to seek medical help as soon as possible. They are sure signs that your body is telling you “Houston We Have A Problem” experience any chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, blood in your urine, and pounding in your chest, neck, or ears.

When you have those last symptoms listed my suggestion is to call an ambulance if you are not close to a hospital because being honest here this is your body telling you a serious problem needs attention right now.

What are some causes of a blood pressure Spike suddenly?

Overuse of stimulating drinks such as tea, coffee, and alcohol can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure in a short period.

Increased weight, pain, and hormonal imbalance can also be attributed to a sudden increase in blood pressure. In some cases, pregnancy can lead to high blood pressure.

What are some causes of blood pressure to Spike known as Secondary hypertension?

Obstructive sleep apnea, kidney problems, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid problems, certain prescription medications, other medications such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Certain defects you are born with (congenital) in blood vessels and people who are diabetic can have secondary hypertension.  Using illegal drugs can cause a spike in blood pressure such as cocaine and amphetamines.

Stress is one of the biggest factors today in the secondary hypertension category because most people try to relieve the stress with eating, drinking, smoking, and other bad habits which only cause blood pressure to increase more.

What is considered a safe (normal) blood pressure level?

More than 120 over 80 and less than 140 over 90 –  you have a normal blood pressure reading but it is a little higher than it should be, and you should try to lower it.  Make healthy changes to your lifestyle.

The top number is your systolic blood pressure. (The highest pressure is when your heart beats and pushes the blood around your body.) The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure. (The lowest pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.)

What are the dangerous levels of blood pressure? Also low blood pressure in women. 

Any blood pressure level of 140 over 90 or higher you may have high blood pressure (hypertension).  Change your lifestyle – see your doctor or nurse and take any medicines they may give you.

But here is another thing you need to be aware of when it comes to high blood pressure these numbers can determine high and low blood pressure in another way when the numbers stay constant in the following manner:

• if your top number is 140 or more – then you may have high blood pressure, regardless of your bottom number.
• if your bottom number is 90 or more – then you may have high blood pressure, regardless of your top number.
• if your top number is 90 or less – then you may have low blood pressure, regardless of your bottom number.
• if your bottom number is 60 or less – then you may have low blood pressure, regardless of your top number.

Protective Measures Against High Blood Pressure:

If you are concerned about lowering your blood pressure, don’t despair. There are high blood pressure treatments that really work and the good news is they do not involve prescription medication.

Keeping your blood pressure under control is an important step to prevent strokes and other serious health problems.

The following important high blood pressure treatments are easy to implement and you’ll see the results of lower blood pressure.

When you fall in the normal blood pressure ranges for adults starting now is better than waiting until you reach the pre-hypertension stage which is considered anywhere between 120/80 to 140/90.

You can often lower high blood pressure (hypertension) effectively by incorporating lifestyle changes.  Adopting and following healthy lifestyle changes each day can help you prevent using prescribed medications for high blood pressure treatments.

Increasing your activity level is one of the best ways to begin to lower your blood pressure.  Exercising at least 20 minutes a day is a great start in keeping your heart healthy and controlling blood pressure.

A simple 20-minute walk around the block or any activity that elevates your heart rate will do wonders for controlling your blood pressure.

If you smoke, STOP NOW!  Smoking injures the walls of your blood vessels and contributes to the hardening of your arteries.

Even though smoking does not cause high blood pressure, it is unhealthy for your heart.  Smoking contributes to heart and blood pressure problems not to mention the cancer-causing agents in tobacco.

Do not drink too much alcohol.  Alcohol consumption raises blood pressure so alcoholic drinks should be limited to one drink a day for women and two drinks for men.

Research has also proven healthy eating habits reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and help lower already elevated blood pressure.

Diets low in sodium and fat are ideal.  If you are striving to avoid high blood pressure in the future, diets that stress eating fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, fish, and poultry, which are low in total fat, saturated fats, and cholesterol will also assist in lowering blood pressure.

If you have changed your eating habits and are exercising, but are still experiencing high blood pressure you may need to explore other high blood pressure treatments such as medication.

High blood pressure treatments using medications vary.  Some simply flush water and sodium from your system. Other drugs make your heart beat slower. Still, other medications increase the openings of your blood vessels or make them relax, all of which help to decrease blood pressure.

Please Always Consult your Doctor if you are experiencing any discomfort.

Thank you and be well.

Comments are always welcome

Michael