Personally, I don’t deal with high blood pressure, but I have loved ones who do. It’s been called the silent killer because many times it does not show any obvious symptoms. Having more knowledge and being more aware of high blood pressure’s symptoms can help me keep my loved ones around longer and stay healthy.
According to WebMD, “Hypertensive heart disease is the number one cause of death associated with high blood pressure.” Healthline says, “Hypertensive heart disease refers to heart conditions caused by high blood pressure.”
A service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) relates that,
“Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls as the heart pumps out blood…. and high blood pressure, also called hypertension, is an increase in the amount of force that blood places on blood vessels as it moves through the body.”
Monitoring your blood pressure numbers can be an important way to know what’s going on with your body and help make adjustments in your lifestyle if necessary.
Blood pressure results are recorded in writing using two numbers separated by a slash, for instance: 100/75. The systolic is the top (or left) number. As your heart beats, the systolic force creates pressure on the arteries. A normal systolic blood pressure is considered to be below 120. The diastolic pressure (the bottom or right number) is indicative of the pressure on the arteries between beats, when the heart rests. A normal diastolic blood pressure is considered to be below 80.
Borderline hypertension falls within a systolic range of 120-139. The borderline diastolic range is 80-89. If blood pressure falls within these ranges it is considered prehypertension and needs to be monitored. When the ranges go higher than 139/89 it becomes hypertensive and needs to be taken care of. Why? Because heart disease is a killer, and hypertension indicates that the heart is stressed because of constant pressure being put on blood vessel walls.
Kidneys play an important role in understanding hypertension. The kidneys filter up to 150 quarts of blood each day that may result in up 2 quarts of urine that ends up in the bladder to be flushed from the body. Kidneys function at a very small level…microscopically, and are composed of around one million filtering units known as nephrons. The kidneys not only filter but recycle reusable products from the blood back into the body.
If there is constant high blood pressure, it can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and over time scar tissue from the damage can weaken the blood flow in the entire body, as well as the kidneys. When this happens, waste and extra fluids in the body are not removed properly and the extra fluids cause more pressure which turns into a vicious cycle.
It’s so easy to find out what your numbers are. Many drug stores and grocery stores have free blood pressure monitors. Find out your numbers and if they are not in the normal range, do something about it and adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes not smoking, a low-fat diet, reducing salt and cholesterol, and exercising regularly. Studies have shown the important role massage therapy can play long term in managing stress through its relaxing effects by helping control rises in blood pressure.
High blood pressure is something you don’t want to mess with. Mine tends to be higher when going to dr ‘s
Office but that is just a phobia. I do have a blood pressure monitor so I can watch it more closely.
My regular pressure is 110/60. When it isn’t close to that, I know something is wrong but the big thing is to know whats normal for you so you can catch possible problems early on.
This is a great article. It is amazing how blood pressure affects us and how dangerous it can be when it stays high for a long time. I will make sure to take care of my body so I can live long.
Hypertension runs in my family. Mine has been controlled by meds for almost 30 years. I have it checked at my annual physical but it would probably be a good idea to check it more often. I’ve had it so long I sometimes forget I have it.
It amazes me how one part of our body will affect another part. It is amazing how our blood rate can kill you. I am going to keep a good heart rate by taking care of myself.
I have family members with high blood pressure. That’s one thing I’m glad I’ve never had a problem with unless I was pregnant. But its still good to check regularly.
Another good read. I tried to watch my blood pressure. I’m working on eating healthier. Also excercising when it’s warmer outside.
good information
This is information I need to be reminded of. Thanks for the information.
Great information and yes it is very important to stay on top of your health. Especially, doing a periodic test will help in knowing if your body is in good health.
Great information.
Very good information
I am always ask my Dr. what my heart rate is when I go see her. I know having high blood pressure is bad for your body but I never stopped to think about how mad it is. I have some relatives that I will be sharing this info. with.
I loved this post. High blood pressure is called “the silent killer” for a reason. It can be so dangerous, and often there are no symptoms. I take medication for mine, and I am adopting a healthier lifestyle.
I have this in my family, great information for keeping this at bay.
HBP is a silent killer and can destroy your kidneys (and have many other devastating effects). Know your numbers and protect your body as early as you can. Prevention is the key!
Check your BP as often as you can and ask your Doc if your numbers seem off to you. Great info!
Thanks
My blood pressure always shoots through the roof whenever there is talk about needles and getting my shots updated
Great information to read and pass along.
Great article on high blood pressure.
My blood pressure is usually relatively low. 105/63 when its at a ‘normal’ level 120/80 I’m usually pretty stressed out.
High blood pressure runs in my family. I knew high blood pressure wasn’t a good thing, but I never knew how dangerous it really is! This article is very informative and I will be passing this information to others. Thank you!
High blood pressure runs in my family. I knew it wasnt a good thing, but I never realized how dangerous it really is! This article is very informative and I will be passing this information along to others. Thank you!