Risks Associated with Having High Blood Pressure

Risks Associated with Having High Blood Pressure

About 75 million Americans have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Having high blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack or stroke, which are two of the leading causes of death in the United States.

Many people who are experiencing high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure develops slowly over time and can be related to many causes. Risk factors of developing high blood pressure include your family history, age, gender and chronic kidney disease.

There are several modifiable risk factors you can change which can help you prevent developing high blood pressure.

-lack of consistent physical activity

-consuming an unhealthy diet

-being overweight or obese

-drinking too much alcohol

-high cholesterol and diabetes

-tobacco use

-stress

Since symptoms of high blood pressure are not obvious, you may not be aware if you have it. To find out your blood pressure, schedule a physical with your doctor which will include measuring your blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: systolic and diastolic.  The systolic number represents the pressure that is present in your blood vessels when your heart is beating. The diastolic number represents the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is resting, not beating. The numbers below show normal blood pressure levels along with at-risk and high levels.

Blood Pressure Levels:

Normal

Systolic: less than 120 mmHg

Dialostic: less than 80 mmHg

At risk (pre-hypertension)

Systolic: 120-139 mmHg

Dialostic: 80-89 mmHg

High

Systolic: 140 mmHg or higher

Dialostic: 90 mmHg or higher

Many times, high blood pressure is called a “silent killer” because it has no obvious symptoms. If it is left untreated, the damage it can cause to your body can be contributing factors for heart attack, stroke and other health conditions.

Call Wellstone Health Partners (254-618-1020) to schedule a wellness exam.