The American Heart Association estimates that high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) affects approximately one in three adults in the United States - 73 million people. Two million children and teenagers are also affected by this disorder, and JAMA reports that many are under-diagnosed.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
When symptoms are present, they're often in the form of a headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea and other effects. But it is for good reason that the many people refer to high blood pressure as the 'silent killer'. The fact is that oftentimes the symptoms are either slight or nonexistent. Therefore it is important for everyone, even those who think they don't have high blood pressure, to monitor their blood pressure on a regular basis.
Checking your blood pressure
Hypertension is risky but almost completely preventable. You can reduce your risks of heart attack and stroke with proper monitoring by a health care provider and simple lifestyle changes, even if you already have high blood pressure. Your local fire station is also equipped to perform a quick blood pressure check if you have concerns. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, you have what is called "pre-hypertension. Blood pressure is measured by putting a blood pressure cuff around your arm, inflating it and listening for the flow of blood. Your doctor will take this measurement at more than one visit to see if you have chronic high blood pressure. But why be so concerned about blood pressure?
Reasons to be concerned
Every year, high blood pressure causes more than 25,000 new cases of kidney failure in the united states. It is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension is dangerous because it makes the heart to work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first- and third-leading causes of death among Americans. High blood pressure also can result in other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness. A blood pressure level of 140/90 mm hg or higher is considered high. About two-thirds of people over age 65 have high blood pressure. The disorder is more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
Causes of high blood pressure
Smoking, obesity, and diabetes, are all risk factors for hypertension. High blood pressure that results from a specific condition, habit, or medication is called secondary hypertension. Other factors that have been associated with essential hypertension include obesity, diabetes, stress, insufficient intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, lack of physical activity, smoking and chronic alcohol consumption.
Treatment of high blood pressure
Treatment depends on how high your blood pressure is, whether you have other health problems such as diabetes, and whether any organs have already been damaged. Generally treatment will proceed with changes you can make to your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. Of course a dangerously high blood pressure level may require your doctor to use prescribed medicines to bring your pressure down to a safe level.
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