High Blood Pressure: Causes, Risks, and Solutions

Your blood pressure is one of the key metrics of your health. That’s why doctors take your blood pressure every time you visit the office. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, usually has no symptoms, but it can have very serious long-term effects on your health.

Blood Pressure Numbers 101

Let’s begin by reviewing what the blood pressure readings mean. When you hear your blood pressure is 135/70, what does it mean?

In this example, the top number is 135. That is the systolic pressure—the pressure when your heart is beating. The bottom number of 70 is the diastolic pressure. That is the blood pressure when the heart is at rest, between beats.

The ideal blood pressure is 120/80 or slightly lower. Elevated blood pressure falls between 130-140 for the top number and 80-90 for the bottom number. People with 140 and above receive a diagnosis of hypertension. Physicians recommend patients watch their blood pressure and consider addressing blood pressure when it rises above 120/80.

Read more and watch an excellent explanation of blood pressure.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is often associated with excess weight and other diseases, such as diabetes. However, it can also be linked to family history of high blood pressure, smoking history, high stress levels, and poor diet. Controlling health conditions such as obesity and diabetes are important factors in managing your blood pressure.

Hypertension Risks

You may have heard high blood pressure referred to as The Silent Killer. It has few symptoms and can go undetected until someone has a major health issue. Hypertension is linked to increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. By treating high blood pressure and making changes to your diet and exercise, your risks can be reduced.

Solutions for Hypertension

Exercise, nutrition, and medications have been shown to help reduce blood pressure. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol can also help bring blood pressure closer to normal readings. None of the solutions happen overnight.

The best steps to take to reduce blood pressure include:

• Adding Movement — While it’s clear that losing weight can help reduce blood pressure, simple additions to your exercise routine will get you on the right path to better cardiovascular health. Begin by walking around the block and work up to more, or add a fun activity to your usual exercises. Ask your doctor for safe exercise activities that fit your interests.
• Refining Your Diet — More vegetables and low-fat proteins, less salt, and few sugary desserts are typical dietary changes. Look up the DASH diet, which was designed for people with hypertension. Learn more about the connection between nutrition and health.
• Quitting Smoking — Smoking and second-hand smoke are both linked to the hardening of arteries, which contributes to high blood pressure. Make quitting smoking or vaping a health priority.
• Taking Medications — When your doctor prescribes medications to help lower blood pressure, take them as directed.

A lifestyle medicine approach can make many of these changes and additions easier for you. At Infinity Medical Clinic, we help patients make personalized plans to improve and control their health, including hypertension, diabetes, and weight loss. New patients are welcome, so contact us for an appointment!