Do You Have High Blood Pressure Symptoms?

High blood pressure symptoms can be mild and nonspecific, which is why millions of people who have high blood pressure, don't know that they do. That's why managing your blood pressure is a wise step in helping to manage your health.

About Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. There are two types of pressure that occur as your heart pumps blood throughout your body. When your heart contracts Systolic pressure occurs and when your heart expands Diastolic pressure takes place.

Normal blood pressure is when the systolic pressure (top number) is less than 120 and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is less than 80.

Borderline high blood pressure is when the systolic pressure (top number) ranges from 120-139 and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) ranges from 80-89.

High blood pressure is when the systolic pressure (top number) ranges from 140-159 and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) ranges from 90-99.

If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure would be when the systolic pressure (top number) is 130 or higher and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is 80 or higher.

The medical term for high blood pressure is Hypertension. If this occurs it is a sign of a serious health problem. Hypertension could lead to serious illness including a stroke and heart attack.

High blood pressure symptoms

As I mentioned earlier, high blood pressure symptoms are mild and nonspecific. For example, headache, dizziness, nausea, feeling tired, vomiting, shortness of breath are symptoms of high blood pressure. However, these so called symptoms can also occur in people whose blood pressure is normal. It is also possible that you may not experience any these high blood pressure symptoms and still have the disease. That's the reason why high blood pressure is called the ''silent killer''.

Does Age Make a Difference?

Even though adults are a higher risk for high blood pressure it can also occur in children and teens.

Blood Pressure Variations

A persons blood pressure can vary on daily bases. I do not have high blood pressure. However, I notice that when I fast my blood pressure is lower than on the days I do not fast.

Other factors can also cause your blood pressure to vary, including weight, age, time of day, exercise, laughing, crying, stress, and smoking.

People with high blood pressure should limit or stop drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol as these can cause your pressure to rise.

Now, I do not know why, but climates can make your blood pressure to go up or down. For instance, in general, blood pressure is higher in cold weather and lower in hot weather.

Can High Blood Pressure be Controlled?

To help prevent hypertension or keep it under control, the American Heart Association recommends the following lifestyle: 1.Do not smoke 2. Reduce salt and fat intake 3. Maintain proper weight. 4. Exercise regularly. 5. Have regular physical checkups.

You might be surprised but there are people who have followed the steps above and have brought their high blood pressure under control. Some have even been taken off their high blood pressure medication.

High Blood Pressure Diet

A review in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension found that by increasing our consumption of fruits and vegetables like squash, bananas, dates and spinach can help lower blood pressure. So as you can see, healthy eating can also aid in managing your blood pressure.

Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home

Monitoring blood pressure at home can result in improved detection and treatment of high blood pressure as long as it in consultation with a doctor.

Blood pressure measured in a physician's office can cause a person to be nervous or anxious thus resulting in a higher reading.

In contrast, measuring at home is less stressful and when combined with a doctor's readings provide a more accurate blood pressure history.

Digital Blood Pressure Monitors

Some of the digital blood pressure monitors on the market, are good for home use. However, only a medical practitioner is qualified to interpret your blood pressure measurements. If you decide to use a digital blood pressure monitor it's recommended that you have a doctor review your procedure for using that device.

Before Taking a Measurement

Avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, exercising, and bathing for 30 minutes before taking a measurement.

Food For Thought

Don't wait until you're having high blood pressure symptoms, before taking action. It might be too late. If you do not know your blood pressure, it's time you find out and, if needed, do something about it.