What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a chronic condition that occurs when the force of the blood pumping against the walls of your arteries is too high for an extended period of time. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart disease.
Almost everyone develops high blood pressure eventually. With healthy lifestyle changes, it’s possible to keep your numbers at a normal level.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure doesn’t present any obvious symptoms. This is one of the reasons many doctors call it the “silent killer.”
Some people experience nosebleeds, headaches, or shortness of breath, but these symptoms don’t usually occur unless high blood pressure is at a severe or life-threatening stage.
Are there different types of high blood pressure?
There are two types of blood pressure that develop based on different causes.
Primary high blood pressure
Primary high blood pressure occurs for no apparent reason. It develops gradually over an extended period of time. Primary high blood pressure is especially common in people who are middle-aged or older.
Secondary high blood pressure
Secondary high blood pressure occurs due to an underlying health problem. Some of the most common causes of secondary high blood pressure include obstructive sleep apnea, kidney disease, and thyroid problems.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
To diagnose high blood pressure, the team at Compass Mental Health & Wellness uses an inflatable arm cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge. A blood pressure reading features two numbers: your systolic blood pressure and your diastolic blood pressure.
Systolic pressure is the upper number and measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure is the lower number and measures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats.
The American Heart Association considers a healthy blood pressure reading to be at 120/80 mmHg or lower. Any number higher than that indicates hypertension.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Compass Mental Health & Wellness treats high blood pressure using conservative, integrative, and holistic means. This usually includes a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and, if necessary, prescription medications.
If you have mild or moderate blood pressure, you might benefit from quitting smoking, eating a low-sodium, low-fat diet, and exercising regularly. If your numbers remain high even after you make these changes, prescription medications like diuretics or ACE inhibitors may be necessary.
To explore your treatment options for high blood pressure, schedule an appointment at Compass Mental Health & Wellness. Call or book online today.
