High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms while increasing the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. That’s why routine screenings and regular doctor visits are so important. A simple blood pressure check can provide valuable insight into your overall cardiovascular health and help identify potential concerns before they become more severe.
Since May is High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the importance of staying proactive about heart health. Here’s how to monitor your health and reduce the risk of complications associated with hypertension.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When that pressure stays consistently too high, it is known as hypertension, or high blood pressure. Over time, elevated pressure can place strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of serious medical issues.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
- Systolic Pressure: The top number, which measures pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number, which measures pressure when the heart rests between beats
A normal reading is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. Readings consistently above this range may indicate high blood pressure and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Please note that untreated hypertension can contribute to:
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision problems
- Cognitive decline
Common Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing hypertension. Understanding these risks can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and wellness.
- Family History: If high blood pressure runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk of developing it yourself.
- Poor Diet: A diet high in sodium, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can contribute to increased blood pressure. Excess salt, in particular, can cause the body to retain fluid, placing additional strain on blood vessels.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Regular exercise supports heart health and healthy circulation. Sedentary lifestyles, on the other hand, can increase the risk of weight gain and elevated blood pressure over time.
- Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases strain on the cardiovascular system. Excessive alcohol consumption may also raise blood pressure levels and interfere with heart health.
- Stress: Chronic stress can affect both physical and mental well-being. While stress alone may not directly cause hypertension, unhealthy coping habits associated with stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure.
- Age: Blood vessels naturally become less flexible as people age, which may increase the risk of hypertension. However, high blood pressure is not limited to older adults and can affect younger individuals as well.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, and sleep apnea may increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure.
The Importance of Regular Blood Pressure Screenings
Because symptoms of high blood pressure are often absent, many people are unaware there’s a problem until a medical emergency occurs. This is why doctors consistently recommend routine screenings.
Scheduling a high blood pressure test in Philadelphia allows healthcare providers to track blood pressure levels over time and identify concerning patterns early. This early detection then allows for timely treatment and better outcomes.
Regular screenings are especially important for individuals who:
- Have a family history of hypertension
- Are over the age of 40
- Have diabetes or kidney disease
- Smoke or use tobacco products
- Are overweight or obese
- Experience high levels of stress
Even if you feel healthy, a routine blood pressure screening from Spectrum Health Services in Philadelphia can provide peace of mind and help support preventive care efforts. So, if it’s been a while since you’ve been to the doctor, schedule a women’s or men’s healthcare appointment today!
Healthy Habits That Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
While some risk factors cannot be changed, many healthy lifestyle habits can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Limiting sodium and processed foods can also support healthier blood pressure levels.
- Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity helps strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and strength training can all support cardiovascular wellness.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Carrying excess weight can place additional strain on the heart and blood vessels. Even modest weight loss may help improve blood pressure levels.
- Manage Stress: Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness can help reduce stress and support overall well-being.
- Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking: Reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking can significantly benefit heart health and lower the risk of hypertension-related complications.
- Get Quality Sleep: Poor sleep habits and untreated sleep disorders can negatively affect blood pressure.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations: If medication is prescribed, it’s important to take it as directed and attend follow-up appointments regularly. Managing high blood pressure is often most effective when patients work closely with their healthcare providers.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health With Spectrum Health Services
As part of High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, take the opportunity to prioritize your health by scheduling a blood pressure screening in Philadelphia with Spectrum Health Services. Through personalized care and high-quality chronic disease management services, we can help you stay proactive about your heart health and overall well-being.