High Blood Pressure Resources

Overview

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Symptoms

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it typically presents no symptoms until it has caused significant damage. However, in some cases, people may experience:

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Chest pain

Regular blood pressure checks are essential to diagnose hypertension early.

Prevention

Preventing high blood pressure involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in sodium and unhealthy fats.
• Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco products.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or counseling.

Treatment

Once diagnosed, high blood pressure can be managed with:

• Lifestyle changes: Diet, exercise, and stress management are crucial.
• Medications: Common options include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. Your healthcare provider will determine the best medication based on your individual needs.

Regular monitoring and follow-up care are important to ensure blood pressure remains under control.

Additional Resources

• CDC Guide to High Blood Pressure