When you come in for an appointment at a medical clinic, you are likely to have your blood pressure taken. You might even test your blood pressure at home or at a pharmacy. Your blood pressure is a useful tool for monitoring some aspects of your health, but what happens when your blood pressure is reportedly high?
If you have high blood pressure, here's what you need to know about it.
What Exactly Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of the blood moving against the walls of your arteries. When this pressure is too high, you may be told you have high blood pressure. This could indicate a medical concern that a doctor needs to address.
Who Is at Risk for High Blood Pressure?
Some people may be at higher risk for high blood pressure. For example, you may be at higher risk if you are older, have a family history of high blood pressure, are not physically active, or are overweight. An unhealthy diet or diabetes can also put you at risk.
Health conditions that can lead to high blood pressure often include kidney disease, sleep apnea, thyroid issues, and tumors. Some medications can also impact your blood pressure. These include birth control pills and pain relievers.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
The signs and symptoms of high blood pressure differ from person to person. Some people do not realize they have high blood pressure until they are told by a doctor.
In other cases, symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Changes in vision
- Bloody urine
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing
What Treatment Is Available for High Blood Pressure?
Treatments can help you lower your blood pressure. In other cases, addressing another health issue with medication and other forms of treatment is the key to lowering blood pressure. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, like cutting back on sugar and getting more sleep. You can also decrease the amount of sodium you eat and maintain physical activity each day.
Medication is also an option for people who have high blood pressure. Medication taken regularly can help you maintain healthy blood pressure.
Contact Your Doctor
A medical clinic can provide you with more information about high blood pressure and how to move forward with treatment options. You also need to recognize the signs of a more significant issue. Make an appointment to discuss potential high blood pressure options today.
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