High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the condition in which the blood exerts a large amount of force on the arteries, either because it is being pumped at an abnormally high rate, because the arteries are narrowed, or both. This condition can lead to a range of serious complications, including heart attack, stroke, or aneurism. In certain individuals, one or more high blood pressure symptom such as dizziness or irregular heartbeat may present themselves. More often, however, high blood pressure symptoms are nonexistent, leading some health experts to deem the condition a “silent killer.” Due to this lack of tangible symptoms, it is important to have blood pressure monitored regularly and to strive for a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Those high blood pressure symptoms that do occasionally present themselves may include an irregular or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, headache, strained vision, disorientation, dizziness, and labored breathing. In most cases, such symptoms appear only when the blood pressure is extremely high. The symptoms may thus be a signal that a major and potentially fatal complication, such as a stroke or a heart attack, is impending. Therefore an individual experiencing any of these symptoms should consult a physician immediately.
One of the most alarming facts about hypertension is that in a great many cases, high blood pressure symptoms are nearly or completely nonexistent. This lack of symptoms has led many health experts to label high blood pressure a “silent killer.” As this label suggests, high blood pressure often proves fatal to its sufferers, who fail to seek treatment for the condition in a timely manner because they are unaware that they have it.
Due to this lack of symptoms, individuals must remain vigilant about maintaining a healthy blood pressure in order to help prevent the many complications that can arise from hypertension. The blood pressure should be checked by a physician every two years at minimum. Middle-aged and elderly persons may wish to consider more frequent readings, however.
An individual can also make a number of lifestyle changes which can lower his risk of developing high blood pressure, or at least improve his blood pressure levels. He can, for instance, quit using tobacco products and limit his sodium intake and alcohol consumption. In addition, he can lose weight if necessary, and can also strive to increase the amount of time he spends exercising while eliminating unneeded stressors from his daily life.