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You can have high blood pressure (HBP) and still feel
just fine. That’s because HBP does not cause symptoms.
But, HBP (sometimes called hypertension) is a major
health problem. If not treated, it can lead to stroke,
heart disease, kidney failure, and other health
problems. The good news is that there are ways you can
prevent and control HBP and the trouble it can cause.
As blood flows from your heart to your blood vessels, it
pushes against the walls of your blood vessels. This
pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
The reading often is recorded as two numbers—the
pressure while the heart beats (systolic pressure) over
the pressure while the heart relaxes between beats
(diastolic pressure). The numbers are written one above
or before the other. The systolic number comes first, or
on top, and the diastolic number comes second, or on the
bottom.
Normal blood pressure is less than 130 mmHg systolic and
less than 85 mmHg diastolic (130/85 or lower). Doctors
will say your blood pressure is too high when it
measures 140/90 mmHg or higher over time.
People who have blood pressure in the range of
130-139/85-89 mmHg may be at risk of developing HBP. If
your blood pressure measures in this range, you should
think about making lifestyle changes to improve your
blood pressure.
Get your blood pressure checked when you see your doctor
to find out if you have HBP. Your doctor may say your
blood pressure is high if it measures too high at two or
more checkups. Your doctor also may ask you to check
your blood pressure at home at different times of the
day.
For older people, the first number (systolic) often is
high (greater than 140 mmHg), while the second number
(diastolic) is normal (less than 90 mmHg). This
condition is called isolated systolic hypertension (ISH).
For most people, systolic blood pressure rises over time
as they age. Diastolic blood pressure rises only until
about age 55 and then starts to go down. ISH is the most
common form of HBP in older people.
ISH can lead to serious health problems. It should be
treated. Treatment can save lives, reduce illness, and
improve a person’s quality of life. Yet, many older
people do not have their high systolic blood pressure
under control. If your systolic pressure is over 140
mmHg, ask your doctor how you can lower it.
There is a lot you can do to prevent HBP. These same
healthy habits will help you keep HBP under control:
Being overweight adds to your risk
of HBP. Ask your doctor if your weight puts you at risk
for HBP and if you need to lose weight.
Moderate exercise can lower your risk
of heart disease. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a
day, 5 days a week or more. Check with your doctor
before starting a new exercise plan if you have a
chronic health problem, or if you are over age 40 (men)
or 50 (women).
A healthy diet is important. To control HBP,
eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and
low-fat dairy products.
Most Americans eat more salt than they
need. A low-salt diet will help lower your blood
pressure. Also, avoid foods that come already prepared,
as they often are high in salt. Talk with your doctor
about your salt intake.
Drinking alcohol can affect your
blood pressure. The effect is different for each person.
As a general rule, scientists suggest that men limit
alcohol to no more than two drinks a day. For women and
lighter weight people, they suggest no more than one
drink a day.
If
lifestyle changes alone do not control your HBP, your
doctor may tell you to take blood pressure medicine. You
may need to take your HBP medicine for the rest of your
life. If you have questions about your medicine, talk to
your doctor.
If you have HBP, remember that:
- HBP may not make you feel sick, but it is serious. See a
doctor to treat it.
- You can lower your blood pressure by changing your daily
habits and, if needed, by taking medicine. If you need
to take HBP medicine, these lifestyle changes may help
lower the dose you need and lessen side effects.
- Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take. Be sure
to mention over-the-counter drugs. They may affect your
blood pressure. They also can affect how well your blood
pressure medicine works.
- Take your blood pressure medicine at the same time each
day. For example, take your medicine in the morning with
breakfast or in the evening after brushing your teeth.
If you miss a dose of your medicine, do not double the
dose the next day. Call your doctor to find out what to
do.
For more information, please visit the following
websites:
National Institutes of Health
National Institute on Aging |
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