According to the American Heart Association, there are five main blood pressure ranges:
• Normal 120/80 mmHg (or less)
• Pre-hypertension 120-139 and/or 80-90 mmHg
• High blood pressure (hypertension stage 1) 140-159 and/or 90-99 mmHg
• High blood pressure (hypertension stage 2) 160+ and/or 100+ mmHg
• Hypertensive crisis (emergency stage) 180+ and/or 110+ mmHg
Causes of High Blood Pressure:
• Being overweight
• Family history of hypertension
• A diet high in salt, and bad eating habits
• Increasing age
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Excessive caffeine intake
Untreated high blood pressure is a very dangerous condition. Hypertension has long been known as the “silent killer”. Over time, damaged artery walls collect cholesterol deposits from blood traveling through. When this buildup gets thick and hard, it reduces blood flow. If arteries are narrower, a blood clot that might normally travel through can get stuck. This causes a blockage leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to multiple complications. High blood pressure causes the body to eliminate more calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis. Damaged blood vessels can burst behind the eye, causing fluid buildup known as choroidopathy. Blurred vision or vision loss can result from damaged blood vessels behind the eye. Some forms of dementia may be directly related to a lack of blood flow to the brain. Kidney damage happens when high blood pressure damages arteries leading to the kidneys and small vessels in the kidneys. Over time, the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the body.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure:
• Severe headache, temple pain
• Nose bleeding
• Fatigue or confusion
• Nausea, vomiting
• Irregular heartbeat or pounding in your chest, neck, or ears
• Trouble breathing
What to Do If You Have High Blood Pressure:
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Increase physical activity
• Eat a healthy diet – low in salt and fat and high in vegetables and fruits
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly
Hypertension is curable, and we will be happy to treat and manage this condition. For more information please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 or contact us online!
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