The dangers of high blood pressure and how to get it under control
Unlike the 1990's rock hit Under Pressure hypertension often goes unnoticed due to its commonly quiet nature. However the long-term effects of uncontrolled hypertension are far from quiet and can be very dangerous.
What is hypertension?
- Consistent elevation of the force of blood against your artery walls as it moves through your body - Imagine the force of water within a firefighter's hose.
- Measurement includes two values: systolic pressure (when your heart is squeezing & pumping blood out to the body) and diastolic pressure (when your heart is relaxed and preparing to squeeze again).
What are the symptoms?
- Often there are no symptoms. If blood pressure is severely elevated one may experience headaches or vision changes.
How will uncontrolled hypertension affect my body?
The increased pressure leads to damage of arteries throughout your body including blood vessels of major organs such as the brain kidneys heart and eyes. This can result in:
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Heart failure
- Aneurysms
- Poor kidney function
- Impaired vision or blindness
- Memory loss & decreased ability to understand
How do I lower it?
- Eat a healthy low salt diet maintain a healthy weight (even losing 5 lbs. can make a difference!) be active for at least 2 ½ hours every week
- Avoid tobacco products limit caffeine and alcohol intake
- Avoid over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen) and decongestants (pseudophedrine)
- Minimize your stress
- Take your medication daily
For the record: a tip for measuring at home
- Sit with both feet uncrossed and resting on the ground. Have your arm resting at the height of your heart.
- Take your blood pressure at the same time of day.
- Do not smoke tobacco or drink caffeine for 30 minutes before checking your blood pressure
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