Everyone has heard about high blood pressure. Most of us know someone who has suffered from hypertension. Yet, how much do you really know about high blood pressure? If you are like many people, you are scared to talk about it with your doctor.
Even if you do bring it up with your physician, he or she may be loath to talk to you too much. The truth is that many doctors don't trust their patients with medical information because they are worried they will not understand it.
But, to be honest, the facts about high blood pressure and hypertension are not that hard to understand. And, once you educate yourself you'll find it easier to protect yourself and live a happier and healthier life.
That's why we want to explain the basics of cardiovascular disease to you before we tell you more about the benefits of incorporating Levodyn into your healthy lifestyle.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the measurement of the blood that presses against the arteries and blood vessels. High blood pressure occurs when the blood is pressing against the vessels at an unusually high rate.
How does high blood pressure affect my body?
When your blood pressure is unusually high your heart has to work harder in order to get blood to the parts of your body that need it. That puts an excess strain on your heart.
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is caused by several different factors and varies from person to person. In many cases it is caused by undue emotional or physical stress. It can also be caused by plaque clogging up your arteries - usually because of high cholesterol levels. The dangerous cases occur when high blood pressure is caused by a hardening of the arteries, which makes it difficult for your blood vessels to dilate.
How common is high blood pressure?
The Centers For Disease Control estimate that more than 90 percent of middle aged people will develop high blood pressure at some point in their lifetime.
Is it really possible to suffer from high blood pressure and not know it?
Yes. That's why it's commonly called "The Silent Killer." The Centers For Disease Control report that as much as one-third of the people who suffer from high blood pressure don't know it.
What do the numbers in my blood pressure reading mean?
Blood pressure is often written as two numbers. The top (systolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is beating. The bottom (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.
What type of blood pressure reading should I be looking for?
Normal blood pressure is a systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure of less than 80 mmHg. High blood pressure for adults is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. "Prehypertension" is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 120-139 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg. Persons with prehypertension are at increased risk to progress to hypertension.
What is the difference between high blood pressure and hypertension?
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but do have a slightly different meaning. High blood pressure refers to a single incidence - such as, if your blood pressure went up for a brief period of time after a minor car accident. Hypertension refers to your blood pressure remaining elevated for an extended period of time.
What are the most common symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension?
While high blood pressure often manifests itself symptom-free there are some common indicators of hypertension including nosebleeds, racing or irregular heartbeat, headaches and dizziness.
It's unfortunate, but many people who are at risk for suffering from high blood pressure don't know it. Being at risk for high blood pressure can come from a multitude of causes. That said, most experts agree that anyone who is in a high-risk group for hypertension should be taking measures to reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke or kidney problems.
Here are the common signs that you may be at risk for high blood pressure, hypertension or cardiovascular disease:
- If you have a family history of high blood pressure.
- If you are under a good deal of stress.
- If you have high cholesterol.
- If you eat a high fat diet.
- If you have a sedentary lifestyle.
- If you smoke.
- If you drink alcohol on a regular basis.
- If you use or have used recreational drugs that can increase your heart rate.
- If you are middle aged or older.
As you can see, the odds are stacked up against you. The fact is that most Brits find themselves at one time or another at risk for blood pressure problems. Whether it's because of your genetics, a love of fast food or simply that you don't have time to exercise, hypertension may be lurking around the next corner.
That's why we think it's so important that you take action and incorporate Levodyn into a healthy lifestyle - so you can kill the Silent Killer!
