In the United States, one out of every three Americans suffers from hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Many more suffer from the disease but do not even know it. Untreated, high blood pressure can cause serious damage to your body, eventually leading to stroke, heart disease and even death. It is best to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Normally, your physician will check your blood pressure during your annual physical but many Minute Clinics and walk-in heath care facilities often provide the service free of charge. If you suspect that you have high blood pressure, consult with your physician.
High Blood Pressure Symptoms
Far too often, high blood pressure is completely asymptomatic, or displays no symptoms. That is why physicians often call it the silent killer. In the United States, the NHBLI is in charge of establishing high blood pressure guidelines. As of 2010, your blood pressure is considered normal if your systolic pressure, or the top number in a reading, is below 120 and your diastolic pressure, the bottom number, is less than 80. When high blood pressure symptoms do manifest, they may include headache, dizziness and nosebleeds. Men may experience additional symptoms, such as erectile dysfunction or low testosterone levels.
High Blood Pressure Causes
There are many different causes of high blood pressure. You may have a genetic predisposition for the disease. High blood pressure affects African Americans more than whites. Older men and women are at risk more so than younger adults. Obesity is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure, as is lack of exercise and smoking. Eating an unhealthy diet filled with processed foods and high sodium intake is another cause of high blood pressure. According to Dr. Virend Somers, a Mayo Clinic physician, if you suffer from sleep apnea, you are at greater risk of developing hypertension than someone who does not have the condition. A person with sleep apnea often stops breathing during the night.
High Blood Pressure Diets
If you have high blood pressure, the good news is that diet and exercise can help treat your condition. Physicians often advise their patients with high blood pressure to follow a strict low-sodium diet. The American Heart Association advises limiting your daily intake of salt to 1,500 mg per day, a little more than half a teaspoon. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension is a diet recommended by the NHLBI. It restricts sodium and sugar consumption and encourages higher intakes of fruits, vegetables and fiber. Another high blood pressure diet is targeted toward African Americans. The Altering Diet in African American Populations to Treat Hypertension takes into account cultural eating habits.
