High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant health concern. Unfortunately, millions of people are affected by it all over the world.If your blood pressure is over 130/80 millimeters of mercury—then it is higher. You should take quick measures to lower it down. Or else, you may suffer serious consequences.
Let’s discuss all about high blood pressure—exploring how high it needs to be.
Normal to High Blood Pressure Ranges
| Category | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg) | Description | Potential Reasons |
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 | Optimal blood pressure | Healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, balanced diet |
| Elevated | 120-129 | Less than 80 | Higher risk of developing hypertension | Sedentary lifestyle, high sodium diet, genetic predisposition |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130-139 | 80-89 | High blood pressure requiring lifestyle modifications and possibly medication | Obesity, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, kidney issues |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or higher | 90 or higher | Higher blood pressure requiring medical attention | Long-term untreated high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, chronic kidney disease |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 | Emergency situation needing immediate medical care | Severe complications such as heart health issues like heart attack or stroke, medication noncompliance, secondary hypertension |
Why Your Blood Pressure Shouldn’t be High?
It’s really unfortunate that high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, such as:
Heart Health Issue – It increases the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes by putting extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
Kidney Damage – It can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney disease or failure.
Eye Damage – It can harm the blood vessels in the eyes, and cause vision problems or blindness.
Aneurysms – It can cause blood vessel walls to weaken, which can lead to life-threatening ruptures.
Brain Health – It increases the risk of dementia by reducing blood flow to the brain. If they get too big, they can burst, which can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.
You should know that if your blood pressure levels get high on a regular basis, it can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. All of this affects overall well-being and quality of life.
Symptoms and Signs of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” . That’s because it typically doesn’t show any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Many people with hypertension may not realize they are suffering from hypertension until it’s detected during a routine check-up or they experience complications such as a heart attack or stroke. However, as blood pressure rises to very high levels, some people may experience symptoms such as –
Headaches – Severe headaches, especially at the back of the head, can occur with very high blood pressure.
Vision changes – Blurred vision or seeing spots can be a sign of hypertensive retinopathy, a condition where high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the retina.
Chest pain – Chest pain or tightness can occur if high blood pressure leads to heart disease, particularly during physical exertion.
Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can occur with heart failure or pulmonary edema, conditions that can be caused by long-term high blood pressure.
Dizziness or lightheadedness – Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing up quickly, can occur if blood pressure drops suddenly or if hypertension causes damage to the blood vessels in the brain.
Nosebleeds – While nosebleeds are commonly associated with high blood pressure, they are not a reliable indicator. Nosebleeds can occur for various reasons and are not always related to hypertension.
The only way to know if you have hypertension is to get an accurate diagnosis by a healthcare professional. Remember that regular blood pressure checks are essential for early management of hypertension.
How To Control Your High Blood Pressure?
In order to control blood pressure, you can follow the following ways along with adopting a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits.
- Vegetables, and whole grains while reducing salt and saturated fats.
- Maintain a healthy weight; exercise regularly, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Quit smoking.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Take prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
- Regular monitoring and check-ups are also essential to keep blood pressure in check.
Is High Blood Pressure Genetic?
Yes. It is evident that high blood pressure (BP) has a genetic component. Several studies have shown that individuals with a family history of hypertension are at a higher risk of developing it themselves. However, genetics is just one factor among many that can contribute to high blood pressure. Other factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress, also play significant roles in the development of hypertension.
Remember that even if your high blood pressure is genetic, you can manage it with healthy lifestyle choices, like eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking. In fact, all this can help reduce your risk of having a high blood pressure issue in the first place.
Quick Tips to Control High Blood Pressure at Home
In case, your or any loved one’s blood pressure is higher than normal range, you can follow these tips to lower it urgently at home:
- Sit down and relax in a quiet space to help calm your nerves and reduce stress levels.
- Take slow, deep breaths for a few minutes.
- If possible, lie down and elevate your head with pillows, which can sometimes help reduce blood pressure.
- Monitor your blood pressure using a home blood pressure monitor to keep track of your levels.
- Drink a glass of water, as dehydration can cause an increase in blood pressure.
- Have a cup of hibiscus tea, known for its blood pressure-lowering effects.
- Eat a piece of dark chocolate as its flavonoids can help dilate blood vessels.
- Snack on a handful of berries or a banana, both rich in potassium, which helps balance sodium levels and lower blood pressure.
- Have a beetroot juice, as it contains nitrates that improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
- Chew on a clove of garlic or add it to your food; garlic can help widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- Drink a glass of milk or eat a yogurt as calcium can help to maintain proper blood pressure levels.
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine, as both can raise blood pressure temporarily.
- If you have been prescribed medication for high blood pressure, ensure you take it as directed by your healthcare provider.
- If your high blood pressure is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, severe headache, or visual changes, call emergency services immediately. These signs may indicate a hypertensive crisis.
Note: Don’t intake all of the mentioned foods simultaneously. Pick only one and consume it as guided.
Final Words
High blood pressure is a serious health concern affecting millions globally. It’s important to understand its level and the associated risks like heart health problems, kidney damage, and vision issues.
Recognizing symptoms like headaches and vision changes is sometimes easy, but hypertension often has no symptoms. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on prevention and get your blood pressure checked regularly. This can help reduce the risks linked to high blood pressure and keep yourself healthy.
