High Blood Pressure Sneaks Up Unnoticed

High blood pressure, or hypertension indicates ause, family history of high blood pressure, high salt
reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Nearly oneintake, and aging.
out of every three American adults has high bloodSome people will actually show high readings
pressure. Once it develops, it all too often lasts aevery time they're in a doctor's office whereas, if
lifetime.done at home, or they are in a relaxed frame of
High blood pressure is often referred to as themind, the results will be normal. Even routine
silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. Itactivities, such as attending a meeting, commuting
is, therefore, very important to have a regularto work, and exposure to cold can bump up your
medical check-up. When it is not treated as soonblood pressure into the high zone
as it's discovered, it can cause the heart toA sedentary lifestyle, stress, low potassium
enlarge, which in turn may lead to heart failure.intake, low calcium intake, and resistance to insulin
The heart works harder, your arteries take aare factors that may cause your blood pressure
beating, and your chances of a stroke, heartto rise. Constant headaches, visual disturbances,
attack, and/or kidney problems increasenausea, and vomiting can be an indication of
considerably.hypertension and should be checked carefully.
Your pressure is at its highest when the heartUsually you will not feel any warning signs or
beats, pumping the blood. When the heart is atsymptoms, though. That's why getting your blood
rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls.pressure checked regularly is of utmost
When the level stays high consistently for moreimportance to your health. In most cases, a
than three checkups, you are likely to havedoctor may not be able to pinpoint the exact
hypertension.cause.
Many factors are involved in elevating your bloodLifestyle issues that are in your control to lower
pressure. It is, therefore, highly recommended notyour risk of developing hypertension include
to use caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco products atobesity, inactivity, lack of regular exercise, alcohol
least thirty minutes before your medical. As well,consumption of three drinks a day or more, a
go to the bathroom and rest for three to fivediet of salty or processed foods, and a lack of
minutes before the procedure.calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Most doctors will check your blood pressureRisk factors you can't control include a family
several times on different days to ensure that, inhistory of high blood pressure, your race (being
fact you do have hypertension. Once you knowAfrican-American increases your risk), and aging.
you have the condition, you will need to check theA few simple adjustments in your habits can help
pressure regularly and keep in touch with yourkeep your blood pressure in the normal zone, or
family doctor. Talk to your doctor about what iseven bring a slightly high reading back to normal.
considered high blood pressure for you.Eating less salt, losing a few pounds, drinking less,
What is high for the majority of people may orand reducing your intake of processed foods can
may not be so for you. As there are manymake a difference in your overall health. Find out
causes that may show high readings, rangingall you can take control over. Here's to your
from nervousness, tension, obesity, heavy alcoholhealth!