High blood pressure the silent killer
High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because
you can have it for years without being aware of it. Blood
pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps
and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The
more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the
higher your blood pressure. Blood pressure consists of two
numbers: the top number indicates Systolic pressure; the amount
of pressure your heart generates when pumping blood out through
your arteries. The bottom number indicates Diastolic; the amount
of pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest. Some
causes of high blood pressure are kidney disease, thyroid
disease, abnormal blood vessels, preeclamsia, sleep apnea, and
adrenal disease.
Many of the signs and symptoms for high blood pressure are often
ignored. They can include a dull ache in the back of the head,
excessive perspiration and muscle cramps, weakness, frequent
urination and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Though many people
experience these symptoms they may experience all of the
symptoms at all times and may attribute the symptoms to another
cause. Always check with your doctor if you have any of above
the symptoms.
There are many risk factors for high blood pressure. Be sure you
know your family history and risk factors so you can make
informed choices when it comes to your healthcare. Some of the
risk factors are: AGE: your risk increases with age. RACE: High
blood pressure occurs more frequently in blacks than any other
racial group SEX: High blood pressure is more common in men than
women before the age of 60. However after the age of 60 the
reverse is true. FAMILY HISTORY: Some families have a history of
high blood pressure OBSEITY: The greater body mass you have the
more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your
tissues. INACTIVITY: Lack of physical activity increases your
risk. TOBACCO USE: Nicotine constricts your blood vessels and
forces your heart to work harder. SODIUM: People who are sodium
sensitive have fluid retention and increased blood pressure when
using sodium. LOW POTASSIUM: If you don't consume or retain
enough potassium, you can accumulate too much sodium, which
raises the blood pressure. EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL: Over time heavy
drinking can damage your heart muscle, which can lead to high
blood pressure and other complications. STRESS: High levels of
stress can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure.
Excessive high blood pressure can lead to a stroke. A stroke
occurs when a blood vessel, which supplies blood to the brain,
bursts or is blocked by a blood clot. Within minutes the nerve
cells in that area of the brain are damaged, and they die within
a few hours. As a result, the part of the body controlled by the
damaged section of the brain cannot function properly. Before
having a stroke you may have one or more transient ischemic
attacks (TIAs), which are a warning signal that a stroke may
soon occur.
The symptoms of a stroke can be any or all of the following:
Numbness, weakness, or paralysis or the face, arm, or leg,
especially on one side of the body. Vision problems in one or
both eyes, double vision, or loss of vision. Confusion, trouble
speaking or understanding with trouble walking, dizziness, loss
of balance or coordination, and a severe headache.
Remember to monitor your blood pressure, and to speak to your
doctor if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above. If you
have a history of high blood pressure be pro-active and take
your blood pressure often. Blood pressure monitors can be
purchased at pharmacies. You can also have your blood pressure
taken at a pharmacy at no charge.
Contact your doctor immediately, or go to the closest hospital
if you have any of the above symptoms! You can read more from
Libby at http://www.healthsolutionsandyou.com Or contact her at
info@healthsolutionsandyou.com