What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure means that the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls is too high. High blood pressure is a major health issue that dramatically raises your risk for stroke, heart attack, and other severe or fatal health problems.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is symptomless. But, eventually it can cause:
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Pounding sensation in your chest or head
If you’re having these symptoms, see your Marion Physician Associates provider promptly for help.
How does high blood pressure affect my health?
High blood pressure can damage your health in several significant ways, including:
Artery hardening
Prolonged high pressure within your arteries may trigger artery wall thickening. This narrows your arteries, increasing the chance of blood clots blocking the blood to your heart and brain. A blood clot could lead to stroke or heart attack.
Heart enlargement
High blood pressure forces your heart to work particularly hard, which enlarges the heart muscle. An enlarged heart can't keep up normal blood flow, and this can eventually lead to heart failure.
High blood pressure can also cause kidney damage and eye damage. If you don't take steps to manage your high blood pressure, it could kill you. But don't worry: The Marion Physician Associates team is here to help.
What does my blood pressure reading mean?
Blood pressure measurements have two numbers, systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure (the top number) is blood flow intensity when your heart contracts and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is blood flow intensity between contractions.
Blood pressure is generally categorized as follows.
- Normal: 91-119 systolic and 61-79 diastolic
- Elevated: 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic
If your blood pressure is higher than stage 2 hypertension, it's a medical emergency called a hypertensive crisis.
How do I lower my blood pressure?
The Marion Physician Associates team can help you make healthy changes like losing weight and exercising more to reduce your blood pressure. You might also need daily medication to keep your blood pressure controlled. It's a manageable problem, and the earlier you get started managing your blood pressure, the better it is for your heart and whole-body wellness.
Book your appointment at Marion Physician Associates, P.A. by phone or through the online scheduler now.
