Hypertension: The Dangers of High Blood Pressure
In May, we celebrate hypertension awareness on the 17th of each year. With one in three US adults having high blood pressure, only about half have it under control. Not being able to take control of your blood pressure can lead to severe complications and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, or even death. Today, in celebration of hypertension awareness, we will cover some small ways you can help tame your high blood pressure.
What Is Hypertension?
Before we continue, it is important to note that hypertension is just another way to put that someone has high blood pressure. Although normal blood pressure levels should be between 120 over 80 mm, hypertension is when it is higher than 130 over 80 mm. With around 85 million people in America who have high blood pressure, this problem is global. So, how do people get high blood pressure? Many different reasons contribute to high blood pressure – one being smoking. Other lifestyle habits that lead to hypertension are being overweight, lack of physical activity, your age, and much more.
Dangers of Hypertension
High blood pressure can lead to several medical complications, including some that can be fatal. Due to the immense pressure, blood cannot properly flow and filter through the kidneys, which can lead to Chronic Kidney Disease. Hypertension and high blood pressure may cause the blood vessels to become thinner. Because of this, parts of the body may not receive sufficient blood. This situation can lead to a stroke, dementia, vision loss, and more. In extreme cases, the amount of stress and lack of oxygen in the bloodstream can lead to heart attacks and possibly death.
Preventative Steps
There are many ways to lower your blood pressure to prevent dangerous health problems. Most treatments for high blood pressure are lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet with less salt. Getting into regular physical activity that gets your heart pumping also has great effects on your blood pressure. By limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, you can maintain your blood level. Maintaining your weight or losing weight while obese will also help calm your blood pressure. In addition, you can talk to your doctor about receiving medications to help treat your blood pressure. Remember, before taking any medication, speak to your doctor about which medication is best for you.
While some risk factors for hypertension are uncontrollable, there are preventative screening measures and treatment. Ensure your insurance covers preventative screenings and medications that can decrease your risk, such as medication for high blood pressure.
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This article was updated on 8/6/24.