The American Heart Association (americanheart.org) states that "According to recent estimates, nearly one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, nearly one-third of these people don't know they have it." The statement goes on to say that many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing that they have it.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. This is why high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer"
Blood pressure is required to circulate the blood through the body and vital organs. The blood provides the nutrition that they need to function. Knowing how to keep blood pressure at a healthy level is important.
Blood is pumped to the arteries when the heart beats. The combination force created when the blood pumps into the arteries and the circulatory system and the resistance of the arteries tot he blood flow creates blood pressure.
Healthy arteries are muscular and elastic. The arteries stretch when the heart pumps blood through them.
Normally the heart beats about 60 to 80 times a minute. The blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls between beats. Blood pressure can change from minute to minute, as well as with changes in posture, exercise or sleeping. The blood pressure for a healthy adult should be less than 120/80.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is "defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than, or equal to 140/90. "
High blood pressure has a direct impact on the health, by increasing the risk of coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease can lead to heart attack and stroke.
While high blood pressure can occur in anyone, even children, it is more common in people over 35, African Americans, elderly people, obese people, heavy drinks and women who take birth control. People with the medical conditions of diabetes melitus, gout or kidney disease are more like to have high blood pressure.
Some risk factors of high blood pressure, such as race, heredity and age, are outside of our control, but there are some factors that we have some control of. Controllable risk factors include:
Obesity: A body mass index, or BMI, of 30.0 or higher increases the risk of high blood pressure.
Salt: Eating a high sodium diet can increase blood pressure.
Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure dramatically.
Lack of exercise: Inactivity can lead to overweight, which increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Stress: Often mentioned as a risk factor, stress is difficult to measure.
High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and arteries, causing the heart to enlarge as it attempts to keep up with the body's demands.
According to the American Heart Associate "High blood pressure is the number 1 modifiable risk factor for stroke. It also contributes to hear attacks, heart failure, kidney failure and atherosclerosis". Lowering blood pressure can lower the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure.
High blood pressure is a condition that can be controlled and managed, but not cured. A doctor should be consulted to develop and plan to control blood pressure. Following are some lifestyle changes that your doctor may suggest:
Reduce Fat and salt n the diet: Saturated fat, and salt in the should be reduces, along with a weight loss program and regular exercise.
Quitting smoking: Smoking increase the overall risk for heart attack and stroke.
Reducing Alcohol: Doctor may recommend reducing alcohol.
Medication: There are medications that can help to reduce and control high blood pressure.
Chances are, your doctor will recommend trying lowering high blood pressure with lifestyle changes, dieting and exercising, before prescribing medication. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Information in this article is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Consult you physician is you have a medical condition.
