Blood pressure is mostly a silent disease

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can happen without feeling any abnormal symptoms. Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure. Often, these are late signs that high blood pressure has existed for some time, therefore annual checks are recommended for all adults.

Get to know your numbers

Because there aren’t any symptoms, it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Get to know the numbers and when to get help from your doctor. Your blood pressure will have two numbers:

• Systolic is the upper number, measuring when your heart is forcing blood through your vessels.
• Diastolic is the lower number, measuring pressure between heart beats.

For example, 120/80 indicates a systolic blood pressure of 120 and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm/Hg.

Who is at risk for high blood pressure?

Your family history, lifestyle and medications can increase the chances you’ll develop high blood pressure. Risk factors for high blood pressure include:

• Age
• Overweight
• Family history
• Diet high in salt
• Drinking too much
• Some medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, also known as NSAIDS, some decongestants, weight loss medicines and stimulants)
• Some underlying health conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, kidney conditions, adrenal gland tumors and thyroid diseases
• Inactivity
• Tobacco and illicit drug use
• Other

Unfortunately, family history is a large contributing factor. Even if you eat well, are physically active and avoid risk factors, you may still experience high blood pressure.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you fall in the at-risk or high blood pressure categories above. If your blood pressure is in the crisis range, contact your doctor immediately. Call 911 if you’re experiencing any other symptoms like chest pain, blurred vision or slurred speech.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Treatment for high blood pressure will commonly include medication and healthy lifestyle changes such as:

• Losing weight
• Eating a healthful diet
• Quitting smoking
• Drinking less alcohol
• Reducing stress