High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically has no noticeable symptoms. Many people with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it until it leads to serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure. According to the latest guidelines, if your blood pressure is consistently above 130/80 mm Hg, it’s considered high.
Here are some important things you need to know about high blood pressure:
- Medications and Other Health Conditions that Can Cause High Blood Pressure There are several health conditions, including sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, asthma, and thyroid problems, that can raise your blood pressure. Additionally, some over-the-counter cold medications can also increase your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it’s essential to take regular medication to control it. It’s important to ask your doctor about any potential medication interactions.
- High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Heart Attacks and Strokes Heart attacks and strokes are common emergencies associated with high blood pressure and can be life-threatening. It’s crucial that you and those around you recognize the signs of a heart attack or stroke. The signs of an impending stroke may include slurred speech and blurry vision. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. The signs of a heart attack can differ for men and women. For women, the sudden onset of shortness of breath with or without chest pressure, generalized fatigue, and nausea with or without vomiting can be signs of a heart attack. Men may experience chest pressure, nausea with or without vomiting, and cold or clammy skin.
- Get Your Blood Pressure Checked Regularly High blood pressure is more common as people age, and other risk factors include smoking, lack of exercise, eating too much salt, and being overweight. To avoid serious complications, it’s recommended that everyone get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. You can easily monitor your blood pressure level at home by purchasing a blood pressure monitor online from a reliable health equipment store.
In conclusion, hypertension is a widespread health condition that affects over a billion people worldwide. It is predicted to increase by 60% to 1.56 billion in 2025. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, fetal and maternal death in pregnancy, dementia, and renal failure. Taking care of your health should be a top priority. Whether you have high blood pressure or not, it’s essential to monitor your blood pressure levels regularly to avoid serious complications. You can easily do this by purchasing a reliable blood pressure monitor from a trusted healthcare store. Shop now and take advantage of our wide range of healthcare products to help you stay healthy and live your best life!