Your High Blood Pressure Questions Answered
In the United States, one out of three adults has high blood pressure. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, then you might have some questions. After all, we always hear about how dangerous blood pressure really can be. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about high blood pressure.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is clinically called hypertension. It typically happens without any signs and can go on for years before they're actually are any symptoms. In high blood pressure, the long-term force of the blood against artery walls is increased and can cause major health problems, including heart disease and stroke. If your blood pressure is over 130/80, then it is clinically considered high. High blood pressure is widely known as the silent killer. There are often no symptoms at all until disaster strikes.
Why Is High Blood Pressure SO Bad?
In high blood pressure, the heart is working harder than normal to pump blood all over the body. Over time, this can cause a thickening of the left ventricle. This thickening of the left ventricle is often a precursor to cardiac issues including heart attack, heart failure, and even cardiac arrest. Since high blood pressure has so few symptoms, a sudden cardiac event is often the first sign a patient sees.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
There are a number of reasons why high blood pressure can happen. If you are a smoker, you are at risk for high blood pressure. Other risk factors including obesity, not getting enough exercise, a diet with too much sodium, excess alcohol consumption, increased stress, and genetics can also make you susceptible to high blood pressure. In addition, aging is a risk factor. In aging, blood vessels lose their elasticity and can become rigid. In addition, fatty material can accumulate along the vessel walls and cause blockages.
What Can Be Done About High Blood Pressure?
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent or reduce high blood pressure. If you are obese, losing weight can help. Getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet with less sodium can also help. Reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake can also help. Reducing stress and smoking cessation can also help prevent or reduce high blood pressure. In addition, supplements such as Alistrol can be helpful in combating the impact of high blood pressure.
If you have been placed on a medication by a physician, be sure to consult with your doctor before weaning or adding anything new. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, see this as an opportunity to reduce hypertension before it’s too late.