High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure

Signs and Symptoms

 

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is called the “silent killer”. In most cases, there are no clear warning signs, even as the condition of damaging your health.

What to Do Now

 

If you’re in a high-risk group, have your blood pressure checked as often as doctor recommends. The doctor could check your blood pressure; or you can buy a blood pressure cuff and check it yourself, but it takes some practice.

When to Call a Doctor

 

1. If you have or suspect you have high blood pressure and you experience any of the following: recurring headaches, numbness and tingling, confusion, or blurred vision, chest pain or tightness, frequent nosebleeds.

2. If you or someone else checks your blood pressure repeatedly over several days and it is consistently much higher than before.

3. If you’re pregnant and you develop high blood pressure. This can harm both you and your unborn child.

4. If you have high blood pressure and you develop side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, or impotence. You may need a different drug. But never discontinue your blood pressure medication without telling your doctor; stopping abruptly can be dangerous.

How to Prevent It

 

1. Exercise regularly, try brisk walking, swimming, or biking. If you have been totally sedentary, check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

2. Make an effort to lose pounds.

3. If you drink alcohol, give up. Eat no more than 2 grams of salt a day. (One teaspoon of salt equals about 2 gram) Fresh vegetables and fruits are low in fat; fast food and processed foods contain a lot of it.

4. If you smoke, quit.

5. Find a healthy outlet for stress. Try mediation or yoga to relax.

6. If you use birth control pills, consider a different contraceptive method. The Pill can cause high blood pressure in some woman.

Posted in: Health Tips