It is estimated that one in every four American adults has high blood pressure. Once it develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. In recognition of May being National High Blood Pressure Education Month, Dr. Yazid Fadl, a cardiologist with Indiana University Health, discusses what you need to know and how you can take action.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Your body needs a certain amount of pressure to be able to transfer blood to your vital organs.
What are the different classifications of blood pressure?
A normal blood pressure is 120/80. Borderline high blood pressure is 130/85. Anything at or above 140/90 is considered high blood pressure. It’s important to note that if you’re diabetic, the typical borderline reading of 130/85 would actually be considered high blood pressure for you because you have to be so much more aggressive in your treatment.
What is the best way to measure my blood pressure?
I personally recommend a blood pressure cuff that fits the upper arm. I think that is the most accurate form of measurement. I do not like the blood pressure monitors on the wrist, as they are farther down the arm. The closer the cuff is to your heart, the more accurate it will be. I always tell people to rest for 5-10 minutes before checking their blood pressure.
How common is high blood pressure?
It’s very common. After age 50, 95 percent of people need blood pressure medicine at some point. The problem is, only about one-third of those people are actually treated for it. My biggest challenge is convincing people that they truly have high blood pressure and need to be on medicine for it.
What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is most commonly caused by aging and we all know we can’t reverse that. High blood pressure will happen because older arteries just aren’t as flexible. You should pay attention if you have a family history of high blood pressure as your chances of getting it at a younger age are greater. Other tips include:
• Watch your diet – avoid salt and processed foods
• Watch your weight – obesity and high blood pressure go hand in hand
• Don’t smoke
• Get active
• Watch your caffeine and alcohol intake
What are the dangers of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure increases your chance for heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms.
What do I do if I end up with high blood pressure?
Treat it early and aggressively to keep it under control. Do not ignore the problem or delay getting treatment because it may turn into something more permanent. The saddest thing for me is to see someone suffer a potentially avoidable problem like a heart attack or a stroke. If you need medication, think of it as maintenance – part of keeping your body healthy. Just because you require medicine at one point doesn’t mean you’ll have to stay on it forever. So, it’s important to keep in close contact with your doctor – but don’t take matters into your own hands.
