23 September 2023 , 06:00
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High blood pressure is a “silent killer” and early detection is vital, it has been warned.
The condition refers to the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries while the heart pumps blood. When you have high blood pressure, your blood is flowing through the arteries at a higher than normal rate.
Approximately 1 in 3 people in the USA are affected by high blood pressure, adding up to almost 100 million people - but only half of them have control of their condition. The condition is also rising in children due to the obesity epidemic. It can be symptomless, meaning millions may not be aware of their high blood pressure.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says “early detection of high blood pressure is very important”. This is because it is a “silent killer” and it “may show no symptoms, high blood pressure puts you at an increased risk for heart disease, heart failure, and stroke, among other things”. For example, in 2013 more than 360,000 deaths in the US involved high blood pressure as a primary cause.
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Blood pressure is measured using two numbers : the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure) and the force of blood in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats (diastolic pressure). The first number is always higher than the second number, and comes after.
A normal blood pressure is around 120/80, and your pressure is considered high if it reaches 130/80 - known as stage 1. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90. If your blood reading ever shows 180/110 more than once, it is vital you seek medical assistance immediately - this is known as a ‘hypertensive crisis’.
What do I do if I think I have high blood pressure?
Lifestyle changes may need to be made, such as decreasing the amount of salt you consume, losing weight, quitting smoking, cutting down alcohol, and exercising regularly. There are also medications which can be taken to lower blood pressure, with each medication having different pros and cons which should be weighed up with your medical provider to determine which best suits you.
Many take more than one medication - and they should work within days. It is important to continuously remember to take your medications, because high blood pressure is a long-lasting condition. Medication should be used until your doctor advises you to stop.