Everything you Need to Know about Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious health issue experienced by a shocking 47% of older adults in the United States. It can occur as a result of existing chronic conditions but more so thorough people neglecting their overall health and wellbeing. Since high blood pressure can result in a number of health consequences, it is vital that the condition be treated and monitored accordingly.
At-home devices like the LOOKEE® AirBP Blood Pressure Monitor play an essential role in identifying abnormal blood pressure levels, allowing patients to understand their condition better and manage their health.
What is High-blood Pressure?
When a person's blood flow increases due to a high resistance caused by the narrowing of their arteries, they are experiencing what is known as Hypertension. The more narrow their arteries become, the higher their blood pressure will be.
There are two types of hypertension, namely essential and secondary. Essential hypertension is the most common form and can occur due to poor health and lifestyle habits and even chronic conditions. Secondary hypertension occurs more rarely and develops at a much more rapid pace than essential hypertension and is normally as a result of present health issues.
What are The Causes of High-Blood Pressure?
Essential hypertension can occur due to obesity, high alcohol consumption, diabetes, and high sodium intake. Some individuals are more predisposed to the condition, such as people over the age of 65, Hispanic and Black racial groups, and those who have inherited the condition from previous generations. Individuals can develop secondary hypertension due to several conditions, some of which include congenital heart defects, kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and medication side effects.
High Blood Pressure Symptoms
There's a reason that high blood pressure is known as the "silent killer," and that's because patients may not experience any symptoms until the condition becomes very severe. Hence, older adults should make a habit of regularly monitoring their blood pressure levels at home. With the LOOKEE® AirBP, the most portable blood pressure monitor in the world, older adults can check their levels wherever, whenever!
Symptoms of high blood pressure include:
- Migraines
- Nosebleeds
- Extreme fatigue
- Vision problems
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Abnormal heartbeats
- Blood in the urine
- Ringing in your ears
What Your Readings Will Look Like
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should take a blood pressure reading ASAP. As you will see, the results will be displayed as two numbers representing the systolic and diastolic pressure.
The Systolic pressure will always be presented first, which will be significantly higher than the diastolic pressure. For example, a reading that shows "140 over 90" or 140/90mmHg indicates a systolic pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.
When it comes to interpreting readings, 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg are considered normal blood pressure levels. On the other hand, 140/90mmHg or higher indicates high blood pressure levels and a possible risk of developing hypertension.
Treating High-Blood Pressure
Reducing blood pressure to normal levels helps reduce the risk of serious health problems like heart or kidney disorders. The first step would be to schedule a visit with your local physician to get a clearer idea of the severity of your condition, and if there are any pressure meds you should be taking to help lower your levels.
Aside from medical treatment. There are a number of lifestyle changes patients can and should make to reduce their blood pressure. Firstly, if you are overweight or obese, you should aim to reduce your weight to reach an appropriate. BMI. This can be done through eating a sensible diet and doing some form of exercise on a regular basis. Health professionals suggest that doing this, as well as avoiding harmful substances like cigarettes and alcohol, can play an essential part in lowering blood pressure levels.
Reference List:
New ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guidelines Lower Definition of Hypertension:
https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2017/11/08/11/47/mon-5pm-bp-guideline-aha-2017
NHS - Blood pressure test:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-pressure-test/
CDC - High Blood Pressure:
Everything You Need to Know About High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):
https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension#treatment