Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is too strong. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart. Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: the top number, called systolic, represents the pressure when the heart beats. The bottom number, called diastolic, represents the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
Hypertension can damage arteries in the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and all over the body.
Damaged arteries tend to form plaques which further narrow them and increase blood pressure even more. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. Hypertension is sometimes called the ‘silent killer’ because it causes no obvious symptoms.
If you have hypertension:
- Work closely with your doctor to establish shared goals and make a treatment plan. This may include medication and lifestyle.
- Monitor your blood pressure and know your numbers. Talk with your doctor about home monitoring.
- Track your results over time. Print a log at https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/My-Blood-Pressure-Log.pdf
Tips to Prevent or Manage Hypertension
The American Heart Association recommends the following lifestyle choices:
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Enjoy regular physical activity
- Manage stress
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking or don’t start
- Take your prescribed medication
For more information on managing high blood pressure, go to https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure
Work with your doctor to stay healthy and keep your blood pressure under control.