Did you know that one in three American adults has high blood pressure? It’s a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems if left untreated. So what causes high blood pressure, and how can you get it under control? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the symptoms and causes of high blood pressure, as well as treatment options. We’ll help you leverage a local Urgent Care like University Urgent Care in Fort Worth, TX to get your blood pressure under control quickly and efficiently.
What is high blood pressure?
Your blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When your heart rests between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is called diastolic pressure.
High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get your blood pressure checked regularly.
Hypertension; is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems if left untreated. It’s important to know the facts about high blood pressure so you can identify the symptoms and get help if needed.
How is blood pressure measured?
Your blood pressure reading has two numbers. The first (systolic) number measures the force your heart exerts on the walls of your arteries each time it beats. The second (diastolic) number measures the force when your heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
If your systolic and diastolic numbers are higher than that, you have high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Hypertension is a common condition that increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States.
What is a healthy or normal blood pressure?
A normal blood pressure reading is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
Age does play a factor in what is considered a normal blood pressure reading. For example, a blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg may be normal for a young adult but high for an elderly person.
Certain medical conditions can also affect what is considered a normal blood pressure reading. For example, people with diabetes often have higher than normal blood pressure readings.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get your blood pressure checked regularly.
If your blood pressure readings suddenly rise, that can be a sign of trouble. If you experience any of the following symptoms along with high blood pressure, you should see your doctor right away:
- Severe headache
- Fatigue or confusion
- Vision problems
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
There are many possible causes of high blood pressure, but often the cause is unknown.
What are the effects of high blood pressure on the body?
High blood pressure can damage the arteries and cause them to harden and narrow. This reduces the amount of blood that can flow through them, which increases your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
In addition, high blood pressure can also:
- Damage the kidneys
- Cause fluid retention, which leads to swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs
- Affect fertility
- Damage the blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to vision problems
High blood pressure is a serious condition that requires treatment. If you have hypertension, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your blood pressure. There are many different options available, and your doctor can help you find the best treatment plan for you.
What are 5 causes of high blood pressure?
There are many possible causes of high blood pressure, but often the cause is unknown. However, there are some known risk factors for developing hypertension, which include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Eating a diet high in salt
- Lack of physical activity
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Family history of high blood pressure
Other medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea can also increase your risk for high blood pressure.
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to lower your blood pressure. There are many different treatment options available, and your doctor can help you find the best plan for you.
Treatment options for high blood pressure
There are many different treatment options available for high blood pressure, and the best plan for you will depend on your individual situation. However, some of the most common treatments include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications, and surgery.
If you have hypertension, it’s important to make healthy lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or beta blockers. These medications help to lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of certain hormones and chemicals that can raise blood pressure levels.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat high blood pressure. This is typically only recommended if other treatment options haven’t been successful in lowering blood pressure to a safe level.
High blood pressure during pregnancy
High blood pressure is a common problem during pregnancy, and it can have serious consequences for both the mother and baby.
If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, your doctor will work to get it under control. Treatment may include medications, diet and lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery.
It’s important to take high blood pressure during pregnancy seriously, as it can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, which is a condition that can be dangerous for both the mother and baby.
If you’re pregnant and have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your blood pressure and keep both you and your baby safe.
FAQ
Q: How can you bring your blood pressure down quickly?
A: If you’re experiencing a sudden spike in blood pressure, there are some things you can do to bring it down quickly. These include:
- Taking deep breaths
- Drinking water
- Applying a cold compress to your neck or forehead
- Sitting or lying down and elevating your feet
Q: What is the best way to prevent high blood pressure?
A: The best way to prevent high blood pressure is to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. If you have any of the risk factors for developing hypertension, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to lower your blood pressure.
Q: How do you feel when you have high blood pressure?
A: Some people with hypertension may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Q: Hypertension & COVID-19: Advice and risks
A: Covid-19 adds additional complications when combined with high blood pressure.
First, if you have hypertension and get Covid-19, you’re at a higher risk for developing severe symptoms. This is because high blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels, making it harder for your body to fight off the virus.
In addition, many of the medications used to treat hypertension can also weaken your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infection.
If you have hypertension and are worried about getting Covid-19, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. First, make sure you’re taking all of your medications as prescribed. This will help to keep your blood pressure under control and reduce the risk of complications.
Second, try to avoid large crowds and close contact with people who are sick. This will help reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Finally, consider a Covid-19 vaccine to greatly reduce risk factors of Covid-19.
Q: What medication will I take for high blood pressure?
A: The type of medication you’ll take for hypertension will depend on a number of factors, including your age, health history, and other medications you’re taking. Some common medications used to treat high blood pressure include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers.
Q: Home remedies for high blood pressure
A: In addition to medication, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your blood pressure. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Getting enough sleep
Q: Lifestyle tips to lower your risk of hypertension
A: In addition to taking medication and making lifestyle changes, there are some other things you can do to reduce your risk of hypertension. These include:
- Monitoring your blood pressure regularly
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Limiting salt intake
- Getting regular exercise
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
Q: Where can I get my blood pressure measured or tested?
A: High blood pressure can be detected with a simple blood pressure test. This can be done at your doctor’s office, a hospital, or an urgent care center.
Visit University Urgent Care – High Blood Pressure Relief
At University Urgent care we are the best option in downtown Fort Worth to get diagnosed and provide relief for high blood pressure. With walk-in availability and appointments, we regularly see patients the same day to provide relief NOW! If you believe you have high blood pressure visit our clinic or schedule an appointment for hypertension screening!