High Blood Pressure Symptoms
Treating And Preventing This Silent Killer
 High blood pressure is also called hypertension. In addition, it is known as the "silent killer" because
you don't always have symptoms and may not even know you have high blood pressure.
It is a serious medical condition that
can lead to complications like stroke and heart attack so it requires prompt treatment. In some cases, it is
possible to lower blood pressure through diet and exercise and other times medication is required.
As your heart pumps blood around your body, the blood exerts pressure on the
vessel walls. This pressure can be measured with a blood pressure monitor. There are two readings. The top
number reflects the pressure when your heart pumps and the bottom reading is the pressure when your heart
relaxes.
A normal blood pressure reading is under 120/80. You
are said to have high blood pressure when your readings reach 140/90 or higher. When your blood pressure enters the
120/80 to 140/90 range, you are at a very high risk of developing high blood pressure. This mid range is called
prehypertension and is a sign you need to take steps to lower your blood pressure before you develop full blown
hypertension.
Since high blood pressure doesn't necessarily have any
symptoms, you should have readings taken periodically. Adults should be checked at least every two years. If you
have problems with your blood pressure, you should measure it more often and can buy a home blood pressure monitor
to use at home as often as your doctor recommends.
Even though it has no symptoms, high blood pressure damages your blood vessels and
that leads to complications like kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke. The first step to take in the treatment
of high blood pressure is making lifestyle changes. This includes losing weight, getting more exercise, quitting
smoking, learning relaxation techniques, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and salt. Even losing as little as ten
pounds can make a difference in your blood pressure readings.
If your blood pressure is very high or if you are unable to lower it through diet and
exercise, your doctor might prescribe medications for you to take. There are several kinds of drugs that can be
taken for high blood pressure. You may have to take more than one medication and you might have to take them for
the rest of your life to keep your hypertension under control.
Like all medications, antihypertensive drugs carry the risk of side effects. Some of
the more common ones you might experience include drowsiness, bloating, headache, insomnia, constipation,
depression, erectile dysfunction, and dizziness when standing up. Since there are several classes of
antihypertensive drugs available, together with your doctor, you should be able to find one that controls your
blood pressure with as few side effects as possible.
High blood pressure is not something that should be taken lightly. If yours is
slightly elevated, you should undertake the necessary steps to keep it from climbing further. If you are on
medication for it, it is very important to take the medication as directed and not get lax with it or your blood
pressure can become elevated and you won't know it. If you have normal readings right now, by adopting a heart
healthy lifestyle you may be able to prevent hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases from
developing.
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