Healthy Blood Pressure is Key to Longer Life
Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, doesn't typically produce apparent symptoms, resulting in the moniker 'the silent killer.' As a result, over one hundred million people in the US have undetected hypertension or HTN. In fact, you can have high blood pressure for years without realizing it until you begin to experience health problems.
Although blood pressure remains typically consistent throughout the day, with mild fluctuations during relaxed periods and activity or stress, an increase in resting blood pressure levels can lead to the hardening and scarring of the arteries.
Understanding Hypertension, or High Blood Pressure
Blood travels through our arteries at a rate determined by the pumping of our heart. Depending on how narrow the artery walls are and how much resistance of blood flow the narrowing causes, our heart may need to pump harder, creating more pressure against our artery walls. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure will increase the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease or cause a heart attack or stroke.
Primary and Secondary Hypertension
There are two classifications of hypertension. Primary HTN develops slowly and over many years. Secondary HTN will arrive quickly and results from an underlying health problem, such as kidney disease, thyroid issues, and certain medications like cold remedies, pain relievers, and prescription drugs. Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is another culprit that may lead to secondary hypertension.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure readings are measured in two values, systolic and diastolic, in millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg. Systolic pressure measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure measures your arteries' pressure between heartbeats. Therefore, when looking at a test result, you would read BP (blood pressure) 120/80 mm Hg, which means that the systolic number is 120, and the diastolic number is 80.
What Is a Healthy HTN Level?
Healthy blood pressure levels will vary depending on several factors, including age, level of physical fitness, and even genetics. Certain medications can also influence blood pressure levels. Optimally, you will want to stay within a range that works best for your comfort and health, determined by your health care provider. Thankfully, there are medications to treat hypertension and help prevent heart disease easily. Optimally, you want a blood pressure reading no higher than 120/80 mm Hg.
Symptoms of HTN and Potential Health Risks
Symptoms that may indicate that someone has high blood pressure include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision, nausea, and a pulsing sensation in the neck or head.
Several well-known health risks are associated with hypertension and can lead to illness or death. These include heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and dementia. Men may experience erectile dysfunction. For women, HTN remains under the radar and of continuing concern. Studies have shown that women's vessels age more rapidly than men's, making early detection critical for women, even in their twenties.
Hypertension is a genuine threat and sadly remains underrecognized. Regardless of age, it is vital to keep track of your HTN at least once per year by a professional healthcare provider. If your readings are higher than they should be, your provider will work with you to determine the cause and a strategy for reducing your levels.
Contact the primary care providers at Sankofa Health Center in Laurel, Maryland, if you think you are experiencing high blood pressure symptoms. Sankofa Health provides integrative health care services in addition to specializing in women's health.