The first step to effectively treat high blood pressure is to understand what it is.
Next is to recognize high blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition that affects about 1 in 3 adults in the United States. Further, uncomplicated high blood pressure usually occurs without any symptoms (silently), and so hypertension has been labeled “the silent killer.”
Blood pressure is defined as 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 through your body. This number is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls and this number is called your diastolic pressure. An easy way to remember this is that systolic starting with an S – sits on top or is always the first number in a blood pressure reading.
Your blood pressure is measured by using these two numbers. Usually, they’re written one above or before the other, such as 120/80. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute set the normal or target rage at less than 120/80. Between 120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number is called prehypertension. Prehypertension means you are at a higher risk to have high blood pressure, unless you take steps to prevent it. A reading of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is vital to treat because it can dramatically raise your risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries, eye damage and stroke. These complications of hypertension are often referred to as end-organ damage because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. For that reason, the diagnosis of high blood pressure is important, so efforts can be made to normalize blood pressure and prevent these complications.
We all know now that high blood pressure is a problem, but can low blood pressure also be problematic? The answer is maybe. If your blood pressure reading is 90/60 or lower, you have low blood pressure. Some people have low blood pressure all the time with no symptoms, and their low readings are normal for them. Others may see their blood pressure drop below normal because of a medical condition or certain medicines they may be taking. Others may have symptoms of low blood pressure when they stand up too quickly. Rule of thumb: Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes dizziness, fainting or in extreme cases, shock. In these instances, it is imperative to talk to your doctor about these symptoms.
Unfortunately, high blood pressure often has no direct cause, but certain risk factors may increase your risk of developing it. Some factors such as age, gender, race and family history cannot be controlled. However, there are many other factors we can control such as weight, physical activity, tobacco use, salt or sodium in our diet and stress. Additionally, certain medications like decongestants, birth control pills and certain pain relievers and prescription drugs can also raise your blood pressure; discuss with your doctor before taking them.
So the next time you’re at the grocery store, be proactive; measure your blood pressure at the free testing station and follow up annually with your doctor. Hypertension may be a common disease, but with early detection and treatment, it is completely manageable.
Liza Fischer, Clinical Project coordinator for Axis Health System, can be reached at (970) 335-2206 or lfischer@axishealthsystem.org.
