The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one out of every three American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Because high blood pressure is so common, it might be tempting to assume that it’s no big deal. But the truth is, that when left untreated, high blood pressure can put you at risk for potentially life-threatening complications. Show Here are eight ways that uncontrolled high blood pressure can negatively affect your health:
If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency department right away. Protecting Your Cardiovascular HealthThe good news is that your doctor can identify high blood pressure with regular checks. If found, it can be successfully treated using a combination of medication and heart-healthy lifestyle changes—or sometimes, lifestyle changes alone. Making small changes to your habits, such as eating a lower sodium diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and quitting smoking can lower your blood pressure by 10-20 mmHg or more. And, if your doctor has prescribed blood pressure medication, it is important that you take it as directed. Taking high blood pressure seriously and following your doctor’s treatment instructions can lower your risks of serious complications and make a big difference in your overall health. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or think you might be at risk, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today. Connect with the UPMC Central PA Portal app 24/7UPMC Central PA Portal providers patients across the central Pennsylvania region with secure access to their health information. It is the fastest way to send a message to your doctor, refill prescriptions, get test results, and schedule and manage appointments, including video visits. Log-In or Sign Up Today Contact UPMCWhen it comes to health care for you and your family, UPMC is here. It's easy to find the right doctor, health screenings, programs, classes, and more. Contact UPMC in central Pa. What can cause high blood pressure?Things that can increase your risk of getting high blood pressure. are overweight.. eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables.. do not do enough exercise.. drink too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks). smoke.. do not get much sleep or have disturbed sleep.. are over 65.. Is it OK for blood pressure to be high sometimes?Occasional High Blood Pressure Predicts Stroke
The highest blood pressure readings were also associated with higher stroke risk. Those with the highest readings over the seven visits were 15 times more likely to have a stroke during the follow-up period.
How do you feel when you have high blood pressure?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.
Is high blood pressure a big deal?Well high blood pressure IS a big deal, because it can lead to a heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and kidney disease, sometimes before you even realize you have it.
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