906-341-3200 The Importance of Managing High Blood Pressure
November 6, 2023
The Dangers of High Blood Pressure and How to Control It
Did you know that high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of death and heart disease worldwide? It’s true. While high blood pressure can often be managed through lifestyle changes, it often goes undetected because it presents no symptoms, leading to serious complications.
When left untreated though, high blood pressure can cause serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes, aneurysms, heart failure, kidney problems, and more. For this reason, it’s so important to test your blood pressure regularly and take steps to keep your blood pressure under control and prevent complications from arising.
In this article, we will cover what it means to live with and manage your high blood pressure so you can take your health into your own hands and take action before it poses a major risk to your health.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is when the blood in your body is moving through your arteries at a speed and pressure that is higher than normal. When an individual has consistently high blood pressure over an extended period, they can develop a condition that is known as Hypertension.
There are two types of hypertension that you can be diagnosed with – primary (essential) hypertension, which is the most common type of high blood pressure, and secondary hypertension, which is less common.
Primary hypertension can be caused by numerous factors, including stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. For instance, not exercising enough, eating unhealthy foods, and having health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity, can greatly increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.
However, other factors may also come into play. This includes:
- Having a family history of hypertension
- Age – the risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older
- Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol to excess
- Taking certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, and certain birth control pills
- Having sleep apnea
- Hormonal fluctuations caused by pregnancy or menopause
- Not eating enough potassium
- Not getting enough Vitamin D
Secondary hypertension is not typically caused by lifestyle factors. It often appears very suddenly and is usually brought on by an underlying medical condition, such as:
- Kidney disease
- Conditions affecting the arteries
- Heart disease
- Endocrine disorders
Pregnant women are also at a higher risk of developing secondary hypertension.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Hypertension can be incredibly dangerous as it does not have any obvious symptoms in most cases. Some people with hypertension may experience headaches, heart palpitations, or nosebleeds. However, most people do not experience any symptoms.
Over time though, if hypertension is left untreated, it puts strain on the heart and other organs and can lead to serious health problems, which do produce symptoms. This includes:
Cardiovascular Disease
As previously stated, high blood pressure puts a serious strain on the heart and can cause damage to your arteries. Over time, the arteries become more susceptible to plaque buildup, which can lead to heart attacks and peripheral artery disease. Chronic hypertension can also lead to an enlarged heart, heart failure, arrhythmias, and other heart health issues.
Kidney Problems
High blood pressure can also affect the kidneys. Long-term hypertension can inhibit the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid from the body, which can lead to kidney disease or failure when left unaddressed.
Reduced Vision
Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes if it isn’t being managed. As a result, vision can be affected and blindness can occur.
Strokes
When left uncontrolled, chronic hypertension can block or reduce blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke.
What is Considered High Blood Pressure?
When blood pressure is measured, it is typically done so in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two numbers: Systolic Pressure over Diastolic Pressure.
Systolic Pressure is the higher number and typically ranges from under 120 to 140 and higher. This number represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood.
Diastolic Pressure is the lower number, typically ranging between below 80 and 90 and over. This number is representative of the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is considered to be around 120/80 mmHg and a reading of 129/139 is considered pre-hypertensive. Having consistent blood pressure readings of 130/90 and higher is considered hypertension and means you should see your doctor right away.
How to Keep Blood Pressure Under Control
The best way to prevent or improve primary hypertension is to make some serious lifestyle changes. This includes:
- Eating healthy
- Reducing fat and sodium in your diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Reducing stress
Regularly monitoring your blood pressure at home and checking in with your doctor regularly is also highly recommended when it comes to improving hypertension.
When to See a Cardiologist
If you are struggling with chronic hypertension and lifestyle changes are not helping to reduce your blood pressure, your doctor may decide to refer you to a Cardiologist to explore other treatment methods, such as blood pressure medication.
At Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, we have one of the most comprehensive cardiology departments in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Our board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Nicholas Hoeve, is highly experienced in the evaluation and treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, preventative cardiology and non-invasive vascular medicine and works with patients to diagnose and treat a variety of heart conditions, including hypertension.
Contact us today to learn more about our Cardiology department and other services and find out how you can book an appointment with our specialists.
