What is High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is actually known to be a silent killer because it seldom shows any significant symptoms. However, just because high blood pressure is often symptomless doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Aside from the fact that hypertension can cause damage to your arteries, high blood pressure is also a risk factor for stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure has now become a very common condition amongst adults. Studies show that 46% of Americans have high blood pressure – that’s nearly half of the population.

Blood pressure is the physical force exerted by the blood as it pushes against the walls of the arteries. It pertains to the amount of blood pumped by your heart and the amount of resistance in your arteries. A normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). The first number represents the systolic blood pressure and the second one represents the diastolic pressure. The systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts pushing the blood forward, while the diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes.

If your systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 129, with a diastolic pressure under 80, you are considered to have elevated blood pressure.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of high blood pressure that you need to watch out for!

People with uncomplicated high blood pressure may experience:

• headache
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• shortness of breath
• nosebleeds
• fatigue
• chest pain
• irregular heartbeat
• pounding in the chest, ears or neck
• blood spots in the eyes
• facial flushing
• blood in urine

Since we’ve already established that there are usually no symptoms with elevated blood pressure, the only way to keep track of your blood pressure is to visit your doctor regularly and have your blood pressure checked. Recognizing and treating hypertension in its earliest stages can be instrumental in preventing further health problems. A comprehensive physical exam with Dr. Patel not only includes a routine blood pressure check but also involves an extended conversation to gather a complete portrait of one's medical history and current lifestyle.

By Chaula Patel, MD

May 30, 2022