Do you often experience headaches or chest pain without any apparent cause? While these can be symptoms of different medical conditions, they may indicate the presence of hypertension (high blood pressure). Unless your blood pressure spikes really high, you may not experience any noticeable symptoms. This is why hypertension is known as a ‘silent killer.’ In this blog, we will discuss some tell-tale signs of high blood pressure and what you can do to maintain your health.
What Are The Causes of Hypertension?
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common medical condition that occurs due to one or more underlying factors. Potential causes that can contribute to the development of hypertension include:
- Family history of hypertension
- Age and gender (men below 65 and women above 65 are at higher risk)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Poor diet control
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic smoking or tobacco use
- High cholesterol levels
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Long-term stress
What Are The Warning Signs of Hypertension?
Typically, people with hypertension do not experience any signs or symptoms as long as they maintain their blood pressure. However, persistent fluctuations in the blood pressure may present with the following signs:
- Severe headaches
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Tiredness or lethargy
- Pain in chest
- Nosebleeds
- Difficulty in breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Disorientation
If you notice any of these warning signs, seek immediate medical attention to manage your blood pressure. Untreated hypertension may lead to severe complications in the future.
Why Is It Important To Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure?
Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all body organs, including the major organs like the brain, heart, and lungs. The heart pumps the blood with a force to allow proper circulation. This force against the artery walls is known as blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is about 120/80 mmHg for a healthy adult. Slight fluctuations in blood pressure are common to occur throughout the day due to stress, less water intake, or other factors.
However, if your blood pressure remains persistently high, it can put extra pressure on your heart and circulatory system. Furthermore, it also increases the risk of many systemic conditions, including heart failure, kidney disease, stroke, and blindness. For this reason, it is crucial to maintain your blood pressure within a healthy range.
How To Manage Hypertension?
The treatment and management of hypertension depend on the severity of your condition. Many people benefit from adopting certain lifestyle changes, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Lowering the intake of salt and processed carbs
- Exercising regularly
- Keeping a healthy cholesterol level
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Quitting smoking
- Managing stress levels
- Getting proper sleep
Along with lifestyle modifications, it is also important to consult a medical specialist for a thorough evaluation and treatment. By taking the right medications and following a healthy lifestyle, you can maintain your blood pressure within a normal range.
Final Note
If you experience any warning signs of hypertension (high blood pressure), contact our healthcare experts from the Family Diagnostic Clinic. We are here to provide the right medications and guidance to help you maintain healthy blood pressure. Dial (281) 351-6800 to connect with us right away.