High Blood Pressure and Don't Know It?

Answer 1

Could You Have High Blood Pressure and Not Know it?

Often labeled the silent killer, high blood pressure often has no symptoms at all. In fact, according the American Heart Association, nearly one third of adult Americans have high blood pressure, and 30% of them don't know it. We all need to take charge of our own health and one of the ways we can do that is check out our blood pressure numbers. You don't have to wait to go to the doctor's office to see what your blood pressure is. Blood pressure monitors are relatively inexpensive (about $50) and are widely available. Be sure that you can read the keys and display comfortably. Some models offer extra-large displays and voice-announced readings.

Prepare for Your Test

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends preparing for your blood pressure test by refraining from smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee for 30 minutes before the test. Coffee or cigarettes can cause a short-term rise in your blood pressure. What you may not know is that a full bladder can also cause your blood pressure to rise. Make sure you use the restroom before you test. Lastly, five minutes before the test, sit quietly. Being active before the test (you guessed it) a rise in blood pressure, as can anxiety. White coat hypertension is referred to an artificial increase in blood pressure when a patient is nervous about being at the doctor's office.

Know Your Numbers

Blood pressure readings are not difficult to understand:

• The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body.
• The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

The systolic pressure is always stated first and the diastolic pressure second. For example: 118/76 (118 over 76); systolic = 118, diastolic = 76.

What do the numbers mean?

Blood pressure below 120 over 80 mmHg (millimeters of Mercury) is considered optimal for adults. The American Heart Association has recommended guidelines to define normal and high blood pressure.

Normal blood pressure less than 120/80

Pre-hypertension 120-139/ 80-89

High blood pressure (stage 1) 140-159/90-99

High blood pressure (stage 2) higher than 160/100

If your blood pressure is normal, then the information you have can help you work with your health care team to keep it that way. If your blood pressure numbers are too high for your optimal health, then you can work with your health care provider to take steps to lower them and control your blood pressure.

Lower Your Risk Factors

While about 30% of the cases of high blood pressure are caused by genetic factors, the majority of the cases are related to lifestyle factors. Improving your lifestyle can decrease your blood pressure, or prevent it from rising. Here are some tips to support your heart health:

• Following a healthy eating plan
• Doing enough physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Managing your stress and learning to cope with stress