High blood pressure is highly prevalent in the U.S. population, whether old or young. Labeled as the “Silent Killer,” this disease usually does not come with symptoms; if it does, there are not many. It is estimated that one-third of the adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. This number emphasizes the importance to take precautions to decrease this number before it is too late. It is important to manage blood pressure to decrease the risk of having heart disease or a stroke.
Complications Resulting from High Blood Pressure Include:
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Heart Failure
- Dementia
Signs of High Blood Pressure:
- High blood pressure is not usually accompanied by symptoms. Only a few experience symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds.
Treatment:
- Incorporate a healthy diet, reducing unhealthy foods and salt
- Manage diabetes, if present
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight; lose weight if overweight
- Regularly see a doctor
- Manage/eliminate stressful events when possible