Are You at Risk for High Blood Pressure? Here’s What to Watch For

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls.  High blood pressure (HBP) means the pressure in your arteries is higher than it should be, this is also known as hypertension.

Signs or Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms; it is often called a “silent killer” due to this. Nearly half of the American population over the age of 20 have HBP, and many do not even know it. In most cases damage from HBP happens over time. If it is not detected and controlled, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, vision loss, kidney disease/failure, and sexual dysfunction. This is why it is so dangerous.

Risk Factors for Developing High Blood Pressure

• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Diabetes
• Being obese or overweight
• High cholesterol
• Unhealthy diet (high in sodium, low in potassium, and drinking too much alcohol)
• Physical inactivity

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked regularly and treat it the way your provider advises.

Lifestyle Choices to help High Blood Pressure

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight
• Follow a diet low in saturated and trans fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products
• Consume less than 1,500 mg/day of sodium (salt)
• Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day if you are female and two drinks a day if you are male
• Be more physically active
• Take prescribed medication the way your doctor tells you

By choosing a heart-healthy lifestyle you can reduce your blood pressure, prevent or delay the development of HBP, and improve how well your blood pressure medications work.