Blood pressure is defined as a phenomena that measures the force of blood against the walls of arteries as it circulates through our bodies. It is expressed in two numbers, systolic and diastolic, which represent the pressure during heartbeats and between them, respectively. Blood pressure is an essential indicator of cardiovascular health and can be affected by various factors such as age, weight, diet, exercise habits, stress levels, and genetics.
High blood pressure, also called Hypertension, is one of those conditions that affect lots of people all around the world. It can lead to serious health complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss if left untreated. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor blood pressure regularly and take necessary steps to maintain healthy levels.
Getting a blood pressure reading is an important part of maintaining our general health. How often we get tested for this depends on our age. Starting 18, ask your provider for a blood pressure reading at least every two years. If you are aged 40 or older, or you’re 18 to 39 with a high risk of high blood pressure, have it done annually.
Here are 3 things to consider before going to your doctor and asking, do I have high blood pressure or not?
- If your blood pressure is 150 or 140 over 90 – depending on your age, what’s considered as high with regards to your blood pressure may vary.
- If you have hypertensed descendants – Even the most healthy people with perfect healthy lifestyles experience high blood pressure if they come from a line of family that has so.
- If you have these symptoms – Although most people who have high blood pressure, even at dangerously high levels, experience no symptoms at all, having headaches, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds may be an indication of experiencing the condition.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating habits with less salt intake and more fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure. Medications may also be prescribed by doctors for those who need additional support in managing their blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure regularly is essential for maintaining good cardiovascular health. By making lifestyle changes or taking medication when necessary we can keep our blood pressures within healthy limits thus reducing the risk of developing serious health complications later on in life.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
Other References:
About Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure
