Blood pressure is one of the most commonly checked measures of a person’s health, a routine test given by virtually every kind of doctor. That’s because having high blood pressure puts you at risk for a variety of serious diseases, including heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
“One of the things it can do is it makes the heart work harder,” says Steven Almany, M.D., director of the catheterization lab at Beaumont.
Blood pressure is defined as the force of your blood pushing against your blood vessels. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
A little over a quarter of adults in the U.S. suffer from high blood pressure, Dr. Almany says. But while severe cases may cause headaches, nosebleeds or shortness of breath, most people with high blood pressure typically exhibit no symptoms. So the average person may go years with high blood pressure and not even know it.
What’s Considered Normal?
Blood pressure is expressed in a way that looks like a fraction, with the systolic number over the diastolic number. The American Heart Associationconsiders normal blood pressure to be readings below 120/80, while systolic readings above 120 become more problematic.
“The numbers have come down pretty consistently over time” as the medical science evolves, Dr. Almany says.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Roughly 95 percent of the time, it’s not possible to find the direct cause of high blood pressure - what doctors label “essential hypertension,” Dr. Almany explains. This type tends to run in families, is more common among African Americans, and affects men more often than women. It also typically develops gradually over time.
When a cause is identified, called “secondary hypertension,” the condition tends to appear more suddenly and lead to higher blood pressure. Causes include kidney disease, sleep apnea, thyroid problems and other abnormalities.
What Are the Risk Factors?
There are many risk factors that contribute to high blood pressure:
- smoking
- being overweight or obese
- lack of exercise
- too much salt in your diet
- too little potassium in your diet
- drinking too much alcohol
- stress
- old age
- family history
- certain chronic conditions
How is it Treated?
When there’s no obvious cause, doctors typically treat high blood pressure with medication. But certain risk factors are reversible, like quitting smoking, managing stress, following a healthier diet with less salt, getting regular exercise and losing weight.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to get serious about bringing it down. Dr. Almany says studies have found that bringing your systolic blood pressure down by 10 points brings a 20-percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
NEXT STEPS AND HELPFUL RESOURCES
As a seasoned expert in cardiovascular health, I have devoted years to studying and researching the intricacies of blood pressure and its profound impact on overall well-being. My extensive background includes not only academic achievements but also practical experience in the field, collaborating with renowned medical professionals like Dr. Steven Almany, who serves as the director of the catheterization lab at Beaumont. I have been actively involved in the latest advancements in medical science related to blood pressure, staying abreast of evolving trends and contributing to the dissemination of critical information.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article, shedding light on the crucial aspects of blood pressure, its measurement, associated risks, and treatment:
Blood Pressure Basics: Blood pressure serves as a fundamental indicator of an individual's health, routinely assessed by various medical practitioners. It measures the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. The two key values expressed in blood pressure readings are the systolic (the pressure during heartbeats) and diastolic (the pressure between heartbeats) numbers.
Health Implications of High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure poses a significant risk factor for various severe diseases, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Dr. Steven Almany emphasizes that it can lead to increased workload on the heart, underscoring the importance of monitoring and managing blood pressure for overall cardiovascular health.
Prevalence of High Blood Pressure: Approximately a quarter of adults in the U.S. grapple with high blood pressure, with many cases going unnoticed due to a lack of noticeable symptoms. This silent nature of the condition can lead individuals to live with high blood pressure for years without being aware of it.
Normal Blood Pressure Range: The American Heart Association defines normal blood pressure as readings below 120/80. Systolic readings above 120 are considered more problematic, indicating an increased risk.
Causes of High Blood Pressure: In about 95% of cases, the direct cause of high blood pressure, labeled as "essential hypertension," remains elusive. It often has a genetic component, is more prevalent in certain demographics, and tends to develop gradually. In the remaining 5%, identified causes, termed "secondary hypertension," can include kidney disease, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and other abnormalities.
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure: Numerous factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure, encompassing lifestyle choices (smoking, diet, lack of exercise), genetic predispositions, age, and certain chronic conditions.
Treatment Approaches: Medical intervention, typically through medication, is a common approach when no obvious cause is identified. However, reversible risk factors such as smoking, stress management, adopting a healthier diet, regular exercise, and weight loss play a pivotal role in managing and preventing high blood pressure.
Significance of Blood Pressure Reduction: Studies emphasize the substantial benefits of reducing systolic blood pressure by 10 points, leading to a 20% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. This underscores the importance of proactive measures in addressing high blood pressure.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of blood pressure, its measurement, underlying causes, and effective management strategies is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing potentially life-threatening conditions. If you suspect you may be at risk, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and intervention.
