High Blood Pressure, the Insidious Killer

The insidious nature of high blood pressure makesinvolve discomfort in the center of the chest that
it a true Silent Killer. Adopting a healthy lifestyle islasts more than a few minutes, or that goes
an effective step in preventing and controlling highaway and comes back. It can feel like
blood pressure. Next time you are with a groupuncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or
of 3 friends, take a good look around; one of youpain. Shortness of breath may occur, as well as
will have high blood pressure. The sad part is,nausea, or lightheadedness. It is vital to get help
since there are no symptoms, you may not evenimmediately if any of these symptoms occur.
be aware of it. Untreated high blood pressure canThe kidneys act as filters to rid the body of all
lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure,waste products. Eventually, high blood pressure
stroke, or kidney failure. Various risk factorscan thicken, then narrow the blood vessels of the
contribute to this disease that are both under ourkidneys. The kidneys becomes less efficient,
control, and out of our control. The only way tofiltering less fluid, and waste builds up in the blood.
determine if you have high blood pressure is toOver time, the kidneys may fail altogether. When
have your blood pressure checked. The insidiousthis happens, medical treatment such as dialysis,
nature of this disease makes it a true Silent Killer.or a kidney transplant may be needed.
The brain requires unobstructed blood flow toThe best way to find out if you have high blood
nourish its many functions. Very high, sustainedpressure is by having your blood pressure
blood pressure will eventually cause blood vesselschecked regularly. Generally speaking, doctors will
to weaken. Over time these weaken vessels candiagnose a person with high blood pressure on the
break, and blood will leak into the brain. The areabasis of two or more readings, taken on different
of the brain that is being fed by these brokenoccasions. A consistent blood pressure reading of
vessels start to die, and this will cause a stroke.140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood
Additionally, if a blot clot blocks a narrowedpressure, or hypertensive. It is vital to take steps
artery, blood ceases to flow and a stroke willto keep your blood pressure under control. The
occur. Symptoms of a stroke include suddentreatment goal is blood pressure below 140/90
numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg,and lower for people with other conditions, such
especially on one side of the body, confusion,as diabetes and kidney disease.
trouble speaking, or seeing, sudden severeAdopting a healthy lifestyle including healthy eating
headache. If you or someone with you has onehabits, reducing salt in the diet, maintaining a
or more of these signs, don't delay, call 911.healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, being
Like the brain, the heart requires blood to bringphysically active, and quitting smoking is an
oxygen, and nutrients to its muscle tissue. Theeffective step in preventing and controlling high
narrowing of the arteries due to blockage canblood pressure. If lifestyle improvements alone
cause high blood pressure. If this blockage occursare not sufficient in keeping pressure controlled, it
in the arteries of the heart, coronary arteries,may be necessary to add blood pressure
heart muscle damage can occur, resulting in amedications. There are several options that
heart attack. Some heart attacks are sudden andphysicians have at their disposal, and each option
intense, however most heart attacks start slowlyshould be discussed, as to their side effects and
with mild pain and discomfort. Most heart attacksefficacy.