Hypertension or high blood pressure is the force the heart must use in order to push blood through the bodies veins and arteries. There are two distinct blood pressures; the first is the systolic pressure which pumps the blood through the arteries. The second, called diastolic pressure is the force of the pressure between vessels and beats of the heart. In a normal healthy body, the blood pressure is usually 120/80.
Many patients are unaware of the onset of primary hypertension as the symptoms are commonly mild and nonspecific. With this being the case, it is no wonder it has been labeled the 'silent killer." If gone undetected, a Hypertensive crisis may occur in which a stroke or heart attack will be the result. In these cases, fatality may be the end result.
People who have high blood pressure complain of headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Headache is a common complaint and is not remedied after taking high blood pressure medication. Head blood flow is increased, putting a strain on blood vessels in the brain. Headache caused by hypertension does not go away with over the counter pain medications. The pain pulsates behind the eyes and manifests during the morning hours. Increased blood circulation causes the heart to pump out more amount of blood than usual, causing heart palpitations, blurred vision, white spots or blindness.
Only about 1% of people living with high blood pressure have malignant hypertension. This form of high blood pressure requires immediate medical help as it can lead to heart attack or stroke. Sadly, many individuals go for years without knowing they have high blood pressure. Unfortunately, this can lead to permanent damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys and even bring on angina pain. This is a silent killer and people everywhere must become aware of how to prevent or manage this deadly disease. A simple lifestyle change to exercise and a healthy diet containing vegetables, wholegrain, fruit and low fat dairy combined with the guidance of a medical professional can aid in creating a long and healthy life.
Another common factor that can result in high blood pressure is stress. The affects of stress will happen to anyone whether they have high blood pressure or not. The key is to manage and control the stress you allow yourself to be exposed too. In life, there are some stresses we must live and some we can toss away.
If you are overweight it would be to your good benefit to lose the extra pounds and maintain a health body weight. It is also a good idea to control unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. This will help to lower and maintain proper blood pressure, to prevent its life-threatening complications that could have far reaching consequences.
Many patients are unaware of the onset of primary hypertension as the symptoms are commonly mild and nonspecific. With this being the case, it is no wonder it has been labeled the 'silent killer." If gone undetected, a Hypertensive crisis may occur in which a stroke or heart attack will be the result. In these cases, fatality may be the end result.
People who have high blood pressure complain of headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Headache is a common complaint and is not remedied after taking high blood pressure medication. Head blood flow is increased, putting a strain on blood vessels in the brain. Headache caused by hypertension does not go away with over the counter pain medications. The pain pulsates behind the eyes and manifests during the morning hours. Increased blood circulation causes the heart to pump out more amount of blood than usual, causing heart palpitations, blurred vision, white spots or blindness.
Only about 1% of people living with high blood pressure have malignant hypertension. This form of high blood pressure requires immediate medical help as it can lead to heart attack or stroke. Sadly, many individuals go for years without knowing they have high blood pressure. Unfortunately, this can lead to permanent damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys and even bring on angina pain. This is a silent killer and people everywhere must become aware of how to prevent or manage this deadly disease. A simple lifestyle change to exercise and a healthy diet containing vegetables, wholegrain, fruit and low fat dairy combined with the guidance of a medical professional can aid in creating a long and healthy life.
Another common factor that can result in high blood pressure is stress. The affects of stress will happen to anyone whether they have high blood pressure or not. The key is to manage and control the stress you allow yourself to be exposed too. In life, there are some stresses we must live and some we can toss away.
If you are overweight it would be to your good benefit to lose the extra pounds and maintain a health body weight. It is also a good idea to control unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. This will help to lower and maintain proper blood pressure, to prevent its life-threatening complications that could have far reaching consequences.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a Licensed Registered Nurse who loves to share her knowledge about Cardiac Arrhythmia Treatment with others. You can find more of her lessons including Blocked Arteries Diagnosis on Clivir.com.
