Smoothy Slim
Photo by Leeloo Thefirst Pexels Logo Photo: Leeloo Thefirst

How do you feel when your blood pressure is high?

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can happen without feeling any abnormal symptoms. Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure.

riversideonline.com - What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? - Riverside Health System
How much longer will Earth last?
How much longer will Earth last?

Four billion years from now, the increase in Earth's surface temperature will cause a runaway greenhouse effect, creating conditions more extreme...

Read More »
Last updated May 9, 2022
Can constipation cause 5 pound weight gain?
Can constipation cause 5 pound weight gain?

In short, yes and no. Constipation and weight gain are linked, as factors contributing to constipation, bloating and fullness can cause weight...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 16, 2019
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Promotion

One in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure and many don’t even know it. How can this be? Because high blood pressure rarely has any symptoms. “High blood pressure or hypertension is known as a silent disease because you may not feel any symptoms at all,” says Priscilla Bullen, FNP-BC, of Riverside Primary Care Hidenwood. “It increases your risk of heart disease, heart failure, stroke and heart attack.” Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls. High blood pressure is when that force is higher than normal. It often has no signs or symptoms and can lead to other health problems if it’s not treated.

Blood pressure is mostly a silent disease

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can happen without feeling any abnormal symptoms.

Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure. Often, these are late signs that high blood pressure has existed for some time, therefore annual checks are recommended for all adults.

Get to know your numbers

Because there aren’t any symptoms, it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Get to know the numbers and when to get help from your doctor.

Your blood pressure will have two numbers:

Systolic is the upper number, measuring when your heart is forcing blood through your vessels.

Diastolic is the lower number, measuring pressure between heart beats.

For example, 120/80 indicates a systolic blood pressure of 120 and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm/Hg.

What is a normal blood pressure?

Both the American Heart Association and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have published guidelines for defining healthy and elevated blood pressure. You can follow either guidelines, depending on what you and your doctor agree is acceptable.

USPSTF Guidelines for Blood Pressure

Normal Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg

Diastolic:Less than 80 mm Hg Elevated Systolic: 120-129 mm Hg

Diastolic:

AHA Guidelines for Blood Pressure

When should carrots not be eaten?
When should carrots not be eaten?

It depends on where you left them. If left in a cool dry area, away from other fruit and vegetables, they should be A-OK. Carrots can last 3-5 days...

Read More »
Last updated May 22, 2019
Where is the first place people lose weight?
Where is the first place people lose weight?

The first place men typically lose weight is the belly, while women tend to lose weight all over, but hold onto weight in their thighs and hips,...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 18, 2022
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

Contains a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »
Promotion

Normal Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg

Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg Elevated Systolic: 120-129 mm Hg

Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg High Blood Pressure Stage 1 (Hypertension) Systolic: 130-139 mm Hg Diastolic: 80-89 mm Hg High Blood Pressure Stage 2 (Hypertension) Systolic: 140 mm Hg or higher Diastolic: 90 mm Hg or higher Hypertensive Crisis Systolic: Higher than 180 mm Hg

Diastolic: Higher than 120 mm Hg

Who is at risk for high blood pressure?

Your family history, lifestyle and medications can increase the chances you’ll develop high blood pressure. Risk factors for high blood pressure include:

Age

Overweight

Family history

Diet high in salt

Drinking too much

Some medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, also known as NSAIDS, some decongestants, weight loss medicines and stimulants) Some underlying health conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, kidney conditions, adrenal gland tumors and thyroid diseases

Inactivity

Tobacco and illicit drug use

Other

Unfortunately, family history is a large contributing factor. Even if you eat well, are physically active and avoid risk factors, you may still experience high blood pressure.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you fall in the at-risk or high blood pressure categories above. If your blood pressure is in the crisis range, contact your doctor immediately. Call 911 if you’re experiencing any other symptoms like chest pain, blurred vision or slurred speech.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Treatment for high blood pressure will commonly include medication and healthy lifestyle changes such as:

Losing weight

Eating a healthful diet

Quitting smoking

Drinking less alcohol

Reducing stress

“Changing a few daily habits like walking more and eating less salt can bring blood pressure into normal range,” says Bullen.

Do you know your numbers?

Schedule an appointment with Priscilla Bullen, FNP to get to know your numbers today. Our caring primary care providers are here to help you stay on track with your health. Expert help is just a call away.

riversideonline.com - What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? - Riverside Health System
Is canned pineapple as good as fresh?
Is canned pineapple as good as fresh?

Canned pineapple in juice has roughly 60 percent as much vitamin C as fresh, raw pineapple. Canning pineapple also destroys a key anti-inflammatory...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 6, 2018
How healthy is Coke?
How healthy is Coke?

Is soda bad for your health, and what are the options? Soda is not good for a person's health because it contains lots of sugar. Consuming too much...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 1, 2019
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Promotion
What is best time to eat sprouts?
What is best time to eat sprouts?

It is best to eat sprouts anytime from breakfast to noon because of how these complex foods can provide you with a ton of energy that can fuel you...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 12, 2018
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Promotion
What is considered a healthy breakfast?
What is considered a healthy breakfast?

For the most nutritious breakfast, try to choose whole, unprocessed foods from each of the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 3, 2019