Hypertension

What You Should Know About High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or “hypertension” means that the force of an individual’s bloodstream against their artery walls is too high on a consistent basis. Generally, blood pressure is considered high at 140 / 90 and dangerously high at 180 / 120. If left untreated, hypertension can also lead to dangerous conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

How Common Is High Blood Pressure?

Approximately 1 in 3 American adults over the age of 20 have high blood pressure. That equals about 80 million people. Of this number, 20% don’t know they have this condition.

High blood pressure can affect your health in a number of ways, causing conditions such as:

• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Sexual dysfunction
• Vision problems
• Kidney disease / kidney failure
• Heart attack

Do I Have High Blood Pressure?

In most cases, high blood pressure does not have obvious signs or symptoms. If not treated, however, high blood pressure can put you at increased risk for conditions such as heart attack or stroke, due to significant damage caused to your circulatory system. Find out if you have high blood pressure by getting your blood pressure checked.

Preventing & Managing Hypertension

While high blood pressure cannot be “cured” with treatment, there are lifestyle changes you can make to increase your health and lower your risk of complications related to hypertension. Additionally, you can take steps to prevent high blood pressure. Ask your doctor at Washington Township Medical Foundation in Fremont, CA about lifestyle changes that can help you prevent or manage hypertension.

Some tips include:

• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
• Limiting your sodium intake to a safe range
• Limiting your alcohol consumption
• Keeping your weight healthy
• Staying on track with your medications
• Maintaining a regular exercise program