Blood Pressure
I am NOT a Doctor. I don’t play a Doctor on the Internet. But, I have had several close family members pass away unexpectedly due to High Blood Pressure.
Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. For example, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet high in salt and processed foods can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Additionally, medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea can also increase blood pressure
Now that I am older, and I look back at some of the circumstances involved – smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise – it is clear to me that had I known then what I know now, I would have spoken up and more years could have been added to their lives.
Now I feel compelled to be more of an Advocate for Men’s Health and to do my part to bring some light to this SILENT KILLER. Don’t get me wrong, it does not only affect men. Women can suffer from this silent killer as well. So share this with men and women alike! High blood pressure is called the silent killer because many times there are no symptoms until you have some serious complication… a heart attack, stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.
The chart pictured above, from Healthline, outlines blood pressure readings and how to interpret what the numbers mean. You can get blood pressure monitors for home use so you can monitor your readings as necessary. But, remember, nothing replaces your visit to the doctor to ensure your readings are accurate.
Blood pressure is an essential aspect of cardiovascular health, and it is an important indicator of the body’s overall health status. Blood pressure refers to the force that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels as it flows through them. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
It is measured using two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure measures the force that blood exerts on the walls of arteries as the heart beats, while the diastolic pressure measures the force of blood when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg, where mm Hg stands for millimeters of mercury.
It’s pressure is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is 130 mm Hg or higher, or the diastolic pressure is 80 mm Hg or higher. Blood pressure can also be classified as elevated, stage 1 hypertension, or stage 2 hypertension, depending on the readings. There are two main types according to the Mayo Clinic:
Primary Hypertension: Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is the most common type of high blood pressure. It is a chronic condition that develops gradually over time, and its exact cause is unknown. Primary hypertension accounts for approximately 90-95% of all cases of high blood pressure.
Factors that can contribute to the development of primary hypertension include genetics, lifestyle choices, and other medical conditions. For example, a family history of high blood pressure, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet high in salt and processed foods can all increase the risk of developing primary hypertension. Additionally, medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea can also contribute to the development of primary hypertension.
Primary hypertension typically has no symptoms, which is why it is often called the “silent killer.” The only way to detect high blood pressure is to have it measured regularly by a healthcare provider. If left untreated, primary hypertension can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
The goal of treating primary hypertension is to lower blood pressure to a level that reduces the risk of complications. Treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and reducing salt intake. In some cases, medication may also be necessary to help lower blood pressure.
Secondary Hypertension: Secondary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. Unlike primary hypertension, which develops gradually over time and has no clear cause, secondary hypertension is typically caused by an identifiable factor.
Medical conditions that can cause secondary hypertension include kidney disease, adrenal gland disorders, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, and certain congenital heart defects. Medications that can cause secondary hypertension include birth control pills, corticosteroids, and some over-the-counter pain relievers.
Secondary hypertension can also occur as a result of lifestyle factors such as obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and a high-salt diet. However, these lifestyle factors are more likely to contribute to primary hypertension.
The symptoms and treatment of secondary hypertension depend on the underlying cause. Treating the underlying condition or discontinuing the medication that is causing high blood pressure is often effective in lowering blood pressure to a normal range.
Secondary hypertension can be more challenging to manage than primary hypertension because it is important to identify and address the underlying cause in order to effectively treat high blood pressure. Therefore, individuals with secondary hypertension typically require a thorough medical evaluation and ongoing monitoring to ensure that blood pressure is properly controlled.
You may ask, “What about family history?”. Well, genetics do play some roles. When you combine heredity and an unhealthy lifestyle you increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Now, for me, being a black man, odds are more likely that I could develop it at a younger age than someone who is of a different ethnic group. This is one reason why I am writing this post. I am a BIG advocate for staying physically active and making sure that I eat correctly.
There are some symptoms that you can watch out for that may indicate that you have high blood pressure: swelling in your legs, dizziness, long term headaches, and fatigue.
Here is what I do to keep my blood pressure in a healthy zone:
- I am not a heavy alcohol drinker and I do not smoke.
- I have my blood pressure checked regularly
- I monitor what I eat (drastically decreased my salt and sugar intake).
- I included a great exercise routine (Cardio & anaerobic) which helps me relieve STRESS and keeps my weight down
- I also include an assortment of natural supplements.
Treating high blood pressure typically involves lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and reducing salt intake. In some cases, medication may also be necessary to help lower blood pressure. The goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure to a level that reduces the risk of complications, such as heart attack and stroke.
In conclusion, blood pressure is a critical aspect of cardiovascular health and is an important indicator of overall health status. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems and should be managed carefully. Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and reducing salt intake, are important for preventing and managing high blood pressure. Individuals should have their blood pressure checked regularly to monitor their health and prevent complications.
I created Menandlivinghealthy so that anyone could read my blogs, and, if desired, take away pieces of information that could be beneficial to improving your lifestyle!
Before you continue with your day here is one last note: Click here for a good video that explains high blood pressure.
