Dangers of High Blood Pressure

The lack of symptoms of high blood pressure means that the dangers are not apparent until much later when the body begins to break down. It is normal for blood pressure (BP) to be higher or lower during the 24 hour period. We review  the tell tale signs, being aware of the causes, and available blood pressure alternative treatments.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

When you or a qualified professional, like your doctor, measure blood pressure, it is the monitoring of how hard blood is being pushed against the arteries and veins in your body as it is pumped around by your heart. However, if pressure is recorded as high and consistently remains at higher than normal level then it is called high blood pressure. Doctors refer to high blood pressure as hypertension. Lower than normal BP is given the name hypotension.

A person with high blood pressure will probably be unaware of it unless it has been monitored. There are no obvious symptoms and it does not cause illness. Some people may experience persistent headaches and possible blurry vision, unaware of the reasons. If high blood pressure remains undetected and it is not monitored then if it is not treated, chances of heart attack or a stroke are increased. More seriously, it could result in heart failure and kidney disease.

What is classed as high blood pressure?

If your blood pressure reaches 140 over 90 then this borderline high. Any values above that is what is considered high blood pressure. If you suspect high blood pressure then measure systolic level, the bigger number, and the diastolic level using a digital bp home monitor. It is recommended that you review your bp readings at different times of the day.

How to Control High Blood Pressure?

Having hypertension is very alarming. However, there are several ways to lower the elevated blood pressure and control it. Ultimately, there is prescribed medicine to lower your BP. But, before your doctor prescribes any medication, you will be asked to review your lifestyle using a check-list. You will be asked to note down what you eat and drink during a normal week. You will then be asked to check against blood pressure and diets information factsheet and see how many good or bad foods that you are eating. This will give clear indication of your diet and if it requires an overhaul.

If your diet is rich in fats and your lifestyle does not include exercise, the doctor will probably advise you to review your daily intake of fatty foods and will also suggest introducing exercise into your daily routine.

How to treat high blood pressure?

To treat blood pressure disorder you need to first check with your doctor. You yourself need to exercise. Reduce sodium intake and you will reduce blood pressure. That is a fact! You also need to monitor your bp levels regularly. Treatment for high blood pressure depends on your age, gender and ethnicity and any treatment of high blood pressure should not be taken independently of advise from your physician.