What is high blood pressure or hypertension?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood as it flows through the arteries. Adult blood pressure is considered normal at 120/80. The first number is systolic pressure, which measures pressure as the heart contracts (pumps). The second number is diastolic, which measures pressure when the heart is relaxed (between beats). Many factors can affect blood pressure, including how much water and salt you have in your body, the condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels, and the levels of different body hormones. If blood pressure stays high over time (140/90 or above), it is called high blood pressure or hypertension. This is a common disorder and often affects adults over 60. Pre-hypertension is when the blood pressure is between 120/80 and 139/89. The risk of stroke and heart attack begins to rise as the blood pressure goes above 115/75.
High Blood Pressure and Hypertension
What are the symptoms?
Most of the time, there are no symptoms with high blood pressure and high blood pressure or hypertension is not often discovered until the blood pressure is measured by a healthcare professional. Vague, mild symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, or nausea may occur. Without treatment, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema and kidney failure.
What is the treatment?
Visit a Take Care Health Provider to determine if you have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high on multiple visits and you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should visit your Primary Care Physician, who will determine the right course of treatment for you. Lifestyle changes may help control your blood pressure. The most commonly recommended lifestyle changes are losing weight if you are overweight; exercising regularly; eating less fat and sodium; eating more fruits, vegetables and fiber; and avoiding smoking.
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please call 911.