Understanding What High Means in High Blood Pressure and Healthy Habits
About 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure. These are not great odds. However, it can be treated and controlled. Keep in mind that once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime.
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. In fact some you may not realize it until you have trouble with your heart, brain, or kidneys. So it is important to discover you have it and manage it with appropriate treatment.
When high blood pressure is not found and treated, it can cause:
- heart failure
- aneurysms ~ small bulges in blood vessels
- kidney failure
- heart attack
- stroke
- kidney disease
- leg amputation
- blood vessels in your eyes burst or bleed
A blood pressure reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. In general, lower is better. If your blood pressure stays at a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher then you have what is considered high for the purposes of your need for treatment.
So what’s all this “high” concern over. Well, blood is carried from the heart to all parts of your body in vessels called arteries. Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats it pumps out blood into the arteries.
Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood. With high blood pressure, the heart works harder, your arteries take a beating, and your chances of a stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems are greater.
Your blood pressure is lowest as you sleep and rises when you get up. It can rise when you are excited, nervous, or active. Generally for most of your waking hours, your blood pressure stays pretty much the same when you are sitting or standing still, and ideally that level should be lower than 120/80 mmHg.
You can do your part to prevent high blood pressure by:
- maintain a healthy weight
- be physically active
- consume a healthy diet
- less salt and sodium
- quit smoking
- drink alcohol in moderation
Drop that potential future high by adopting these healthy lifestyle habits, and one additional habit is monitoring your own blood pressure.
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- Heart Understanding Contributing to a Healthier Lifestyle
- What is a Heart Attack and Coronary Artery Disease Cause
- Daily Aspirin Healthy Heart Effects and Unhealthy Side Affects
Filed under: Healthy Lifestyle, Heart Smart