Why high blood pressure is considered the silent killer

Doctors refer to high blood pressure – also known as hypertension – as the “silent killer” because it can go undetected for a long time and can lead to death.

Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms; Only testing can tell if someone is suffering from it.

Left untreated, high blood pressure greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, brain aneurysm, heart failure, kidney failure, clogged arteries leading to blockages in the legs, and dementia.

High blood pressure can also lead to sexual dysfunction and vision problems, including blindness.

Cardiologist Mark Eisenberg, MD, explains why he calls the condition “the silent killer.”

What is blood pressure?

The heart pumps blood through the arteries — the main blood vessels in the body — and that blood pushes against the arterial walls. This pressing is blood pressure.

How do you know if your blood pressure is high, low, or just right?

Two factors are taken into account when measuring blood pressure. These two factors are the two numbers that make up a person’s blood pressure. Both is important:

The top number is the pressure on the arteries when the heart is beating (also called systolic pressure).

The lower number is the pressure on the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats (also called diastolic pressure).

If the upper (systolic) reading is above 130, a person has high blood pressure.

If the bottom (diastolic) reading is above 80, a person has hypertension.

Both blood pressure values ​​tend to increase with age due to the increasing stiffness of large vessels. Even a small increase in either number significantly increases your risk of dying from heart disease or stroke.

The American Heart Association has five blood pressure zones:

Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg. People in this range generally have heart-healthy diets and habits.

Elevated: From 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People in this range often develop high blood pressure unless they change their diet and habits.

Hypertension Stage 1: From 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. People in this area will generally be prescribed lifestyle changes and possibly medication.

Hypertension stage 2: 140/90 mm Hg or higher. People in this area are generally prescribed both lifestyle changes and medications.

Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mm Hg. Individuals require medical attention.

If your blood pressure is over 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, call 9-1-1.

How do you lower high blood pressure?

People with high blood pressure or high blood pressure should start making lifestyle changes, including reducing the amount of salt in their diet, possibly losing weight (losing 10 pounds can lower blood pressure by 5 to 10 mm Hg), increasing exercise, stopping smoking quit, and limit alcohol consumption to one or two drinks a day.

People with cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes and a family history of heart disease, will likely be prescribed medication.

Taking medication improves both blood pressure and health outcomes. Talk to a doctor to find out which drug is best for you.

What can I do to monitor my blood pressure?

Go to the doctor and have it checked out.

If your blood pressure is high (or low), your doctor can help you figure out why. Most people who suffer from high blood pressure inherited it from one or both parents.

A doctor can rule out other causes, such as sleep apnea. Many medications, including pain relievers, contraceptives, and antidepressants, can contribute to high blood pressure.

Being proactive and getting your blood pressure checked may save you from the not-so-mind health consequences of untreated hypertension.

Knowing your blood pressure readings and starting treatment if necessary are the best ways to stop this silent killer among us.

If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about it How your eyes can help diagnose high blood pressureAnd Marijuana can greatly increase the risk of death from high blood pressure.

For more information on blood pressure, see recent studies Eating early, for a limited time, could help improve blood pressure. and results are displayed Plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.