High blood pressure, or hypertension, may be especially dangerous because you cannot see or feel its symptoms. If left untreated, high blood pressure may lead to stroke, heart disease and other problems, in addition to affecting memory and ability to think.
Checking for high blood pressure is usually a common procedure when you visit a health provider. However, many people do not understand what the numbers that make up their blood pressure represent. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, blood pressure may be expressed as 120/80 (120 over 80). The "top number" is your systolic pressure which tells how much your blood pushes against the blood vessel walls as your heart beats. The "bottom number" is your diastolic pressure which tells the pressure while the heart relaxes between beats. If your blood pressure is normal, according to current recommendations, your systolic pressure is less than 120 and your diastolic pressure is less than 80.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute provides the following recommendations to help control or prevent high blood pressure:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Be physically active
- Eat a healthy diet
- Reduce salt
- Drink alcohol in moderation
Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough to control blood pressure and you may need a medication. Talk to your health provider about the medication that may work best for you and about any side-effects you can expect. It may take a while to find the right medication and dose that work best for you. Be sure to tell your health provider about any over-the-counter medications you take.
If you have high blood pressure, the American Heart Association provides these reminders:
- High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it is serious.
- You can lower your blood pressure by changing your daily habits and/or taking a medication.
- Check your blood pressure at home between health provider visits. Ask your health provider to show you how and keep a list of the results to share with your health provider.
With a little effort, you can help control high blood pressure. For more information, visit the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.
