Nearly half of the American population over the age of 20 has high blood pressure and doesn’t know it. High blood pressure is often called a silent killer because it doesn’t always have outward symptoms. That means you could have it for years and not know. It can quietly damage your heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys if it isn’t treated.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition. The older you get, the more likely you are to get it. When your blood pressure is too high, your heart has to work harder and can cause serious damage to your arteries. Men are more likely to have high blood pressure up to the age of 45, but as we get older (65+), it’s more common in women. You’re more likely to get it if a close family member has it and it’s more common in people with diabetes, kidney or adrenal gland disease. But in most cases, the cause isn’t known.
In order to maintain good heart health, it is important for you to know your blood pressure measurements. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls of our bodies. Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The top, systolic, number is the pressure when the heart beats. The bottom, diastolic, number is the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure readings will fall below 120/80 mmHg. Higher results over time can indicate hypertension.
| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic mm Hg (upper number) | Diastolic mm Hg (lower number) | |
| Normal | Less than 120 | and | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | and | Less than 80 |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension Stage 1) | 130-139 | or | 80-90 |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension Stage 2) | 140 or Higher | or | 90 or Higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis (Consult your doctor immediately) | Higher than 180 | and/or | Higher than 120 |
Although there are risk factors we can’t change, like race, age, family history, and certain medical conditions or medications, there are things you can control. If you are overweight, eat healthier and lose a few pounds. Even losing 10 lbs. will make a difference in your BP. Eat a diet high in good fruits and vegetables, whole –grain foods, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry and nuts and avoid red meat, saturated fats and sweets. Aim for less than 2,500 milligrams of sodium per day. Check nutrition labels on foods. Limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks/day for a man and 1 drink/day for a woman. If you smoke, it’s important to quit. If you are feeling anxious and stressed, identify your stressors and take steps to alleviate that stress. Exercise, breathing, meditation, prayer, and therapeutic relationships with others can help reduce stress. Find out what works for you and do it!
Hypertension is often a lifelong condition. If you have hypertension, it’s important to be under the care of a doctor, take your prescribed medications, and monitor your blood pressure. Make a habit of checking your BP regularly, tracking your readings and sharing them with your healthcare provider.
Nowadays, there are many different blood pressure machines, special watches, and Fitbit devices to monitor your blood pressure. You can even make an appointment with the parish nurse at St. Therese of Lisieux to take your blood pressure. It’s important if you have high blood pressure, to do your best to control it and lower your odds of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.
Adapted from:
• www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/ss/slideshow-hypertension-overview, Visual Guide to High Blood Pressure, medically reviewed by Janes Beckerman, MD, FACC, November 01, 2019
• American Heart Association Blood Pressure Guidelines