High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the pressure within the blood vessels is higher than normal. This can cause unhealthy strain on the arteries and veins, and damage to all major systems of the body.

The two numbers of a blood pressure reading indicate the internal pressure of your blood vessels during a heartbeat. The higher number, your systolic pressure, indicates the pressure of your circulatory system during a heartbeat. The lower number, your diastolic pressure, indicates the pressure of your vessels while at rest.

Normal blood pressure is considered around 120/80. If your systolic pressure is consistently higher than 140, or your diastolic pressure higher than 90, then there may be significant strain on your heart and circulatory system.

Who is at Risk for High Blood Pressure?

Some risk factors can place you at much higher risk of having hypertension and associated long-term complications.  You may be at risk if you:

• Are obese
• Smoke or use tobacco
• Have a sedentary lifestyle
• Have sleep apnea or other sleep problems
• Are African-American
• Are male
• Drink alcohol to excess
• Have a high sodium diet
• Have a stressful lifestyle
• Use certain medications
• Have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes

Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and thyroid disease, may also place you at higher risk for high blood pressure.

What are Some Complications of High Blood Pressure?

If high blood pressure isn’t treated, it can damage the tissues of the body and affect how every major system functions. Hypertension can cause:

• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis, or narrowed and hardened arteries
• Aneurysm
• Enlarged heart muscle
• Congestive heart failure
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Blindness or vision problems
• Sexual dysfunction

Ongoing treatment of your blood pressure is important to prevent serious long-term complications.

What Can be Done to Prevent High Blood Pressure?

If you’re at risk for having high blood pressure or have been diagnosed with hypertension, you can improve your health significantly by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a low sodium diet
• Having an active lifestyle
• Getting frequent blood pressure screenings
• Managing stress levels
• Quitting smoking or tobacco use

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer,” because the only way to know if you have it is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Regular checks and healthy habits can help you prevent long-term complications of untreated hypertension.

For a blood pressure check or to discuss a plan to lower your risks, call Phoenix Heart today or use the online booking tool.