Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is when your heart pumps blood faster to compensate for vessels thickened or narrowed down by plaque accumulation. More than 116 million people have high blood pressure. Fortunately, you can easily reduce the risk of developing the condition by working out, eating healthy, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol.
Read on to find out more.
The Surest Way to Know If You Have High Blood Pressure
Many people with high blood pressure don’t experience the symptoms until the condition becomes fatal. Some might have vision problems, headaches, and nosebleeds. However, none of these signs are conclusive. Measuring your blood pressure is the best way to know if it is normal.
What Does a Normal Blood Pressure Looks Like?
Two main types of blood pressure are used to determine if a patient has high blood pressure:
- Systolic pressure – This is your blood pressure when the heart is not at rest, and for people with high blood pressure, this value is equal to or more than 140 mmHg.
- Diastolic pressure –This is the blood pressure when someone is at rest. This value is equal to or more than 90 mmHg for people with high blood pressure.
Complications That Result From High Blood Pressure
A major complication caused by high blood pressure is coronary heart disease. This condition is usually accompanied by heart palpitations, chest pains, and narrow or damaged blood vessels.
If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can result in kidney disease or permanent vision damage. For that reason, it’s best to check your blood pressure regularly.
