If you regularly exceed the normal blood pressure range for your age and gender, you are at high risk for future complications. High blood pressure, otherwise called hypertension, is very common and can be a serious medical condition that develops slowly over time. Although most individuals experience occasional high blood pressure, it is possible that you may need more frequent monitoring and should get an assessment from your physician.
Treatment for high blood pressure depends on its underlying cause. For many people, lifestyle changes can help lower the numbers. The first step is to make a note of any medications you are taking and if you smoke or have been smoking in the past year. If your blood pressure often reaches the high blood pressure range, you must see your physician about lifestyle changes and perhaps medication in particular if you already have other serious risk factors, like diabetes or heart disease. High blood pressure (say 180/110 or greater) might indicate an emergency medical situation.
If you do not smoke or have had a history of stroke or heart attack, you probably don’t need to focus on other ways to control your blood pressure. On the other hand, if you smoke, the risk for developing cardiovascular disease increases substantially, even if you do not have cardiovascular disease presently. For this reason, many physicians will recommend that patients quit smoking or at least substantially decrease their cigarette smoking rate. For some patients, reducing cigarette smoking can be difficult because they enjoy the nicotine kick that comes with smoking, but this should be done gradually to ensure that the body adjusts to the new routine.
After making lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure, treatment to restore normal blood pressure range should be considered. The first step is usually in deciding whether you are experiencing any symptoms of coronary artery disease. Symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, or a tight feeling in the chest. If at any time you experience two or more of these symptoms, it is important to contact your health care provider immediately.
In addition to lifestyle changes, treating your blood pressure through pharmaceutical means is also an option. Many people choose to take prescription drugs to lower their blood pressure. In general, most people experience significant changes in their blood pressure once starting drug therapy; however, hypertension medications can cause serious side effects for some people, so it’s important to discuss your options with your health care provider before beginning any medication regimen.
For those people who are not currently developing hypertension, it may be possible to reduce your risk by making several lifestyle changes. A healthy heart can be achieved by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, vitamins, and water. As you make changes to your diet, you will begin to notice an improvement in your overall health, including your blood pressure.
To determine if you may be experiencing high blood pressure symptoms, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. While many people may view routine visits to the doctor as nothing more than a necessary evil, your doctor can offer valuable information about your health. Your doctor can take measures to ensure that you receive the best care possible and can address any potential risks to your health. By talking to your doctor, you are giving yourself the opportunity to get the testing and treatment that you need. Don’t let high blood pressure get the best of you!
The most important thing about testing your blood pressure with a blood pressure monitor is that it should only be performed by someone who is qualified. For instance, if you are taking prescription drugs, your doctor will have to ask you to stop taking them, since doing so could have serious side effects on your health. Don’t put your life or the life of someone you love in the hands of someone else! Your doctor can help you decide if you need to undergo treatment and to discover whether you are suffering from high blood pressure symptoms or not. Your family doctor can also be contacted should you experience any other symptoms or should you require a repeat blood pressure reading.