Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often called the silent killer, and nearly 50% of people in the United States suffer. Being the silent killer means that you often cannot tell if you have high blood pressure until it’s too late, so it’s incredibly important that you take care of yourself.
However, there are a few ways you can tell if you might have high blood pressure. If you’re concerned about hypertension and want to avoid health problems, keep reading.
Signs of High Blood Pressure
As mentioned before, sometimes the signs of high blood pressure are not obvious, and they don’t show up until it’s too late. But there are things that might be markers. They are:
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Frequent fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bloody urine
- Nosebleeds
- Sweating
Sometimes these markers by themselves are not an immediate indication that you have high blood pressure, but if they’re present with other symptoms, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting checked for hypertension.
If you continue to have chronic symptoms, and it interferes with your life, you may want to see a doctor sooner than later because it could indicate that you’re having a stroke or a heart attack. Blood pressure that continues to go unresolved may lead to other health issues and diseases like kidney problems and heart failure.
What to do if You Have High Blood Pressure?
When your doctor diagnoses you with high blood pressure, there are a few treatments your doctor may recommend.
They may begin with medication. Depending on the severity of your blood pressure, this medication may be an ACE inhibitor, beta-blockers, or another type. Refilling your prescription is easy with.
If you have questions about the type of medication you’re taking and why, ask your doctor.
Your doctor may also suggest that you change your lifestyle. Medications alone may not be sufficient in lowering your blood pressure. Your doctor will talk to you about your lifestyle choices and make suggestions.
Healthy Living Tips
If you’re eating a fatty diet and do not sufficiently exercise, you’re likely not going to make any improvement in your blood pressure. While high blood pressure may be genetic, it could also be because of lifestyle choices.
Here are some healthy living tips you can implement if you find yourself with high blood pressure.
Start eating a healthier diet. Cut out sodium and excess fast foods, and opt for wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats. Start filling your diet with heart-healthy foods.
Stop smoking if you’re a smoker. Smokers have a higher chance of developing problems stemming from high blood pressure.
Aim to begin an exercise routine. Exercise strengthens your heart, but make sure you’re healthy enough for exercise if you have a more severe case of high blood pressure. Exercise will also help you lose weight which will contribute to a healthier heart.
Cut back on your alcohol if you’re a frequent drinker and learn to manage your stress level.
Take Care of Yourself and Your Heart
When you take care of yourself, your heart will thank you. With just a few changes and a trip to the doctor, you can start feeling better soon.
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