When is blood pressure considered high?
Your heart is a powerful muscle responsible for pushing blood through arteries, vessels, and veins throughout your body. Since blood has to reach far-off extremities — like your feet and toes — while working against the force of gravity, it’s important to have a certain amount of force for effective circulation.
Too much force or pressure is dangerous though and can lead to complications such as hardened arteries and blood clots. For optimal heart health, the American Heart Association recommends maintaining blood pressure less than 120/80 mm Hg.
You might be diagnosed with high blood pressure once your reading goes above 130/80 mm Hg, which is Stage 1 hypertension. If your blood pressure is greater than 140/90 mm Hg, you likely have Stage 2 hypertension, which increases your risk of developing heart disease even more.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
There usually aren’t symptoms of high blood pressure, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a “silent killer.” If your blood pressure reaches a dangerously high level of 180/120 mm Hg or more, you could be having a hypertensive crisis, a potentially life-threatening situation. In this case, you might have:
- Severe headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
Because these warning signs could indicate dangerously high blood pressure, it’s important to seek immediate emergency medical care.
How do you treat high blood pressure?
Dr. Madapati and her team at Medwell Medical and Aesthetic evaluate your overall health and strive to get to the root of why you have high blood pressure. This allows them to treat any underlying issues and design a comprehensive treatment plan that helps preserve your heart health while lowering your risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Treating high blood pressure most commonly involves making lifestyle changes. If you’re overweight, for instance, Dr. Madapati can work with you to drop extra pounds. A moderate weight reduction of just 20 pounds can lower your systolic blood pressure — the top number, which refers to pressure in your arteries — by as much as 20 points.
Treatment plans for lowering your blood pressure can also involve:
- Smoking cessation
- Following a low-sodium diet
- Getting more exercise
- Taking medications
Blood pressure lowering medications all work in different ways. Some function by opening up blood vessels to improve circulation, while others help flush excess fluid out of your body. Other medications block certain chemicals that are known for narrowing your blood vessels. Dr. Madapati works to find the best possible medication for your needs, based on the severity of your high blood pressure.
Book your high blood pressure evaluation at Medwell Medical and Aesthetic and see what the team can do for you. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone.
