According to guidelines set by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines, half of Americans have high blood pressure (HBP).[1] If you don’t have high blood pressure yourself, chances are you know someone who does. Being aware of high blood pressure and hypertension is critical. When left undiagnosed, it can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other dangerous health conditions. The first step towards preventing or mitigating the risks of high blood pressure is recognizing the issue. While it is often called the “silent killer,” there are some common signs and symptoms of high blood pressure you can watch out for.[2]
What Is Blood Pressure & How Is It Measured?
Blood pressure is the pressure or force of the blood as it moves through your circulatory system. It is most commonly measured using a tool called a sphygmomanometer. You have probably used one of these instruments before even if you don’t recognize the name. It uses an inflatable arm cuff that puts pressure on the artery to measure the systolic and diastolic pressure on your blood vessels.
To get these readings, blood pressure monitors use a gage with a measurement unit called millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Your blood pressure is read using two standard numbers, systolic and diastolic. A typical blood pressure reading may look something like 120/80 mmHg, which is read aloud as 120 over 80 millimeters of mercury. Most people will also drop the last part and only say the numbers—120 over 80.[3]
What Is Systolic Blood Pressure?
The systolic number appears on top of the blood pressure reading and is used to measure the pressure in your blood vessels each time your heart beats.
What Is Diastolic Blood Pressure?
The diastolic number appears at the bottom of the blood pressure reading and measures the pressure in the blood vessels in between heartbeats when the heart is at rest.
Blood Pressure Ranges
After you measure your blood pressure, you will probably want to know if it’s healthy or not. Depending on the numbers, your levels may be considered low, healthy, at risk, or high. Before coming to a conclusion based off of a single test, you should know several factors can skew your results. Your emotional state, your morning coffee, and even the temperature of the room all can alter the results. Your healthcare provider can help minimize these interruptions for a more precise reading.
Here are the accepted ranges for blood pressure and what they mean.[3]
- Normal: Systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80
- Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80
- Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90
- Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 or diastolic over 120
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of your blood as it circulates becomes elevated. Increased blood pressure puts added stress on your blood vessels, heart, and arteries. This strain is what leads to heart disease and other detrimental side effects on vital organs like your brain and kidneys. Blood pressure is something that ebbs and flows. It will rise and lower depending on many different internal and external forces.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a medical designation for those with consistently high blood pressure. Usually, this diagnoses won’t occur until a person has high blood pressure readings over a period of weeks or months. One occurrence of high blood pressure, while not ideal, does not always mean you have hypertension.
In casual conversation, high blood pressure and hypertension often are used interchangeably. Even your doctor may say you have high blood pressure instead of the more technical distinction of hypertension. You should be aware of the differences. Hypertension is an ever-present issue that will require significant changes to your lifestyle and diet.
Hypertension Types
There are several types of hypertension. Here are the most common varieties.
Essential Hypertension
Essential hypertension is by far the most prevalent. Around 95% of those with hypertension have this type. People are diagnosed with essential hypertension after having three or more readings of high blood pressure. The key characteristic of essential hypertension is that there is no identifiable cause for the high blood pressure.[4]
Secondary Hypertension
Around 5% of those diagnosed with hypertension have secondary hypertension. The main difference between this and essential hypertension is that secondary has one or more identifiable causes. In most cases, this underlying cause can be corrected, putting an end to the high blood pressure. In 85% of cases involving children and hypertension, secondary hypertension is the diagnoses.[5]
Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH)
In most cases of hypertension, the systolic and diastolic numbers rise together. However, there are occasions where just one will be above abnormal. Anytime the systolic number, which appears on the top, is above 40 and the diastolic remains in the 60 to 80 range it is considered Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH). After 65, people are more likely to develop ISH as their arteries deteriorate and become more elastic. ISH is a red flag for many heart-related issues.[6]
Isolated Diastolic Hypertension (IDH)
Isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) is similar to isolated systolic only in reverse. It is where your systolic number remains in the normal range, and your diastolic numbers are 90 or higher. This kind of hypertension is far less common than any other type. Those with IDH are far more likely to have their systolic numbers rise over time.[7]
Malignant Hypertension
Malignant hypertension is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It only occurs in about 1% of those with hypertension. It happens when there is a sharp rise in blood pressure in a very short period. Malignant hypertension can damage your organs and should be treated immediately by a healthcare professional. Signs and symptoms include chest pain, impaired vision, and numbness in the legs or arms.[8]
Resistant Hypertension
Resistant hypertension is not receptive to antihypertensive medications. This is the case for about 30% of people with hypertension. In these cases, the cause can be genetic or related to other health issues like weight, diabetes, or kidney disease.[9]
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure depends on many different factors. Often, high blood pressure develops slowly over time. Pinpointing the exact causes can be difficult or impossible. Some things cause temporary increases in blood pressure. These include:[10]
- Alcohol, usually three drinks or more
- Anxiety
- Caffeine
- Certain prescription drugs, including birth control pills
- Illegal drugs like cocaine & amphetamine
- Sodium
- Smoking
- Stress
- Toxins like BPA
Around 5% of people with high blood pressure have developed it as the result of an underlying issue. These risk factors include:[11]
- Adrenal gland issues
- Toxic metal poisoning[12]
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Pregnancy[13]
- Sleep apnea
- Thyroid disorders
- Tumors
What Are the Common Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure?
Several risk factors increase your chances of developing high blood pressure. Most are avoidable, while others may be out of your control. Here are the most common reasons someone may develop high blood pressure.[2]
Age
Getting older increases your likelihood of having high blood pressure. Men over 45 and women over 65 are at even higher risk.
Family History
Issues with high blood pressure usually run in the family. Check your family history to see if you may be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure yourself.
Weight
Your weight is a huge factor in determining your risk of high blood pressure. As your weight increases so does the amount of blood your body needs to run correctly. This increased need puts additional stress and strain on your blood and heart.
Activity Level
Increasing your physical activity is always beneficial to your health. You should strive for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day. Less than that and you may be increasing your chances of becoming overweight and developing high blood pressure.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use can cause temporary increases in blood pressure, and long-term tobacco use also affects your heart and arteries—increasing your risks of developing hypertension in the future.
Diet
Eating processed or fast food will increase your sodium intake causing your blood pressure to spike. When your diet lacks fresh, whole foods you can become deficient in essential nutrients like vitamin D and K—both of which are needed to regulate healthy blood pressure.
What Are the Signs of High Blood Pressure?
If you ever experience noticeable signs of high blood pressure, you may be having a severe health crisis. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.[14]
- Blood in your urine
- Blurred or obstructed vision
- Buzzing noise in your ear
- Confusion & disorientation
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue
- Heavy nosebleeds
- Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia
- Pain in your chest
- Pounding feeling in your chest, neck, or ears
- Severe headaches
What Are the Consequences of High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is typically a good indicator of your overall wellness. As your blood pressure rises, so does your risk of other health complications. Usually, the hardest hit area of the body is the heart—which takes on added stress and pressure. Here are some of the most common results of long-term high blood pressure or hypertension.[2]
- Aneurysm
- Damaged arteries
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- Vision loss
How to Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
You can monitor your blood pressure from your home. However, there are many factors which can alter your results. The American Heart Association suggests keeping a blood pressure journal to provide a complete picture of your results over time. For the monitor, they recommend using an automatic, cuff-style reader that goes over your upper arm.[15]
For best results at home remember to do the following:
Stay Still
Sit as still as possible while you take your blood pressure. Don’t talk, eat, or drink. It is best to avoid exercise or strenuous activity for at least 30 minutes prior.
Keep Your Back Straight
How you sit can affect your results. Sit with your back straight. Usually, a sturdy dining chair works best. Avoid sofas and plush chairs when taking your blood pressure.
Follow the Directions Exactly
Your specific blood pressure monitor will come with directions. Follow them as exact as possible for the most accurate results.
Stick to A Routine
If you plan to keep a diary of your blood pressure readings, then it is best to test at the same time each day. Sticking to a schedule will give you a better idea of how your blood pressure changes over time under similar conditions. Also, don’t be afraid to test multiple times in one sitting to help ensure accurate readings.
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally
If you are concerned about your blood pressure, there are steps you can take. Here are three natural approaches that have helped countless people.
Change Your Diet
Managing your blood pressure with a healthy, plant-based diet could help. Here are some of the most popular diet options for those looking to improve or regulate their blood pressure.
The DASH Diet
Designed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, DASH diet for short, was created to help those with hypertension. It restricts the amount of sodium to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day and encourages the consumption of foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Sugar is limited too, and fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are the main staples of the diet. Proponents claim that over time people can lower their blood pressure by 14 points following the DASH diet.[16]
The Mediterranean Diet
This diet focuses on consuming healthy fats and eating less red meat. It is high in monounsaturated fats and low in saturated fats. Typically those who adhere to the mediterranean diet experience fewer health complications with their heart and blood pressure. Increasing nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables may be one reason why. Additionally, consuming red wine that is common in the diet and rich in resveratrol may contribute to a normal blood pressure.[17]
The Vegetarian Diet
Avoiding meat has many proven health benefits. Consuming a plant-based diet floods the body with nutrients and studies have linked a vegetarian diet to lower blood pressure.[18]
Avoid Sodium
No matter which diet you choose to follow, tracking your sodium intake each day is a good idea. It is recommended to stay under 2,400 mg a day, but that will take more than skipping the tabletop salt shaker. You will need to check nutrition labels to ensure what you are eating doesn’t contain hidden sodium. Avoid processed foods that are high in sodium. Instead, eat more fruits and vegetables that are low in sodium.[19]
Take the Right Supplements
Blood pressure can be a complicated mix of various mechanisms inside your body working together harmoniously. Each one of these processes requires a mix of nutrients to function correctly. When you are not getting these nutrients from your diet, then supplements are your next best option. The right blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can be part of a healthy approach to blood pressure.[20]
Here are the most popular supplements that may encourage healthy blood pressure numbers.
Get Out & Move!
Regular exercise is an excellent way to keep your blood pressure in check. Exercising and staying active on a daily basis with things like walking or meditation will encourage weight loss, and for many is a great way to manage stress. Altogether, it is an excellent way to prevent or improve the things that influence your blood pressure the most.
Tell Us Your Story
Do you have high blood pressure or know someone that does? Have you found any natural remedies that help manage it? Let us know about your experiences in the comment section below.
The post Signs of High Blood Pressure appeared first on Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles.
source https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/signs-high-blood-pressure/
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