High blood pressure is a serious medical issue that affects millions of Americans. Unfortunately, the longer it is left untreated, the greater amount of damage that is done. Taking control of the situation and seeking high blood pressure treatment is important for a variety of reasons.
Defining High Blood Pressure
When you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, the force of your blood on the walls of your arteries is too high. Blood pressure readings are determined by both the amount of blood being pumped by your heart and the resistance to the flow presented by your arteries. Narrow or clogged arteries increase your risk for high blood pressure.
In the beginning, most people do not notice any symptoms of this condition. Eventually, it can begin to cause a long list of issues. Since this condition is easy to detect, starting high blood pressure treatment early on is key.
Your blood pressure consists of two measurements. There are four categories that your measurements can put you in. They are:
- “Normal”: At or underneath 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: Having a systolic reading between 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic reading under 80 mm Hg.
- Stage One Hypertension: Having a systolic reading between 130 to 139 mm Hg and/or a diastolic reading between 80 to 89 mm Hg
- Stage Two Hypertension: Having a systolic reading of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic reading of 90 mm Hg or higher
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Many of the scarier symptoms of hypertension are not detectable. Untreated, it doubles or even triples your odds of a heart attack or stroke. It also increases your odds of developing kidney disease.
Over time, high blood pressure will begin to harden your arteries. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, brings on many unpleasant symptoms of its own. They include:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Eye problems
- Confusion
- Nosebleeds
How High Blood Pressure Treatment Can Help
Lowering your blood pressure, even by a little, can have a significant positive impact on your health. For every 10 mm Hg (systolic) and 5 mm Hg (diastolic) you lower your measurements by, you are greatly reducing your chance of heart attack, heart failure, and having a stroke.
Many forms of high blood pressure treatment involve making healthy lifestyle changes. They involve eating heart-healthy foods and getting the appropriate amount of exercise. When these things are not enough, there are weight loss surgeries that can have a positive effect on your blood pressure.
If you would like to learn more about high blood pressure treatment at the Beltre Bariatrics – Orlando Center for Metabolic & Obesity Surgery in Maitland, speak with our educated staff. We can answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
