If you live with high blood pressure, it can be difficult to know when it becomes an emergency as the symptoms and signs are not always obvious. However, if left unchecked, it can gradually damage your blood vessels, heart, kidney, and other vital body organs. Sudden changes in blood pressure can also cause harm.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps blood. It is measured by using a blood pressure cuff which is placed around your arm, gradually tightens, and then releases. The results are given in two numbers. A blood pressure reading is given as the systolic blood pressure number (first number) over the diastolic blood pressure number (second number). Blood pressure levels are classified based on those two numbers.
In this article, we share some insights into high blood pressure
Does High Blood Pressure Cause Any Symptoms?
High blood pressure is sneaky. Often, it causes no outward symptoms at all – this is why it’s been nicknamed “the silent k.i.l.l.e.r.” But high blood pressure can do major damage inside your body, even if you can’t feel it happening.
Occasionally, high blood pressure does cause noticeable symptoms. Some of the main ones include:
– Nosebleeds
– Headaches
– Spots of blood in the eyes
Extremely high blood pressure – a reading of 180/120 or above – usually causes severe symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call 911 immediately.
– Intense headache, particularly if you also have changes in your vision
– Bloody urine
– Difficulty breathing
– Pain in your chest
– Anxiety or panic attacks
– Seizures
– Loss of consciousness
The Risks of Untreated High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure comes with a whole host of undesirable and even life-threatening side effects. It tends to go hand-in-hand with other types of heart disease, such as high blood cholesterol, and it raises your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. High blood pressure can also cause blindness, dementia, kidney failure, and erectile dysfunction.
How To Bring Your Blood Pressure Back to Healthy Levels
Untreated hypertension can be deadly, so if you have high blood pressure, it’s critical that you take steps to get it under control. Don’t wait – it will not get better on its own. Blood pressure is largely influenced by lifestyle choices, so don’t underestimate how much your day-to-day decisions influence your overall health.
Some of the best ways you can bring your blood pressure down to healthy levels include:
– Not smoking.
– Not drinking alcohol.
– Eating plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.
– Restricting your salt intake.
– Getting regular exercise.
– Managing your stress effectively.
– Monitoring your blood pressure at home.
High blood pressure is a health hazard, and extremely high blood pressure is a medical emergency. Now that you know the warning signs of dangerously high blood pressure, tell your friends and family what you’ve learned so they can keep themselves safe, too.
References: healthmatch.io, apost.com
