High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer.” This is because most people who have it don’t feel anything wrong. However, it can quietly harm the body over time, especially the heart.
Our heart is one of the most important organs in our body. It works like a pump, sending blood to every part of the body. When the pressure of the blood flowing through our body is too high, it can put extra stress on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, and even heart failure.
Doctors measure blood pressure using two numbers. The first number is called systolic pressure. This is the pressure when your heart beats. The second number is called diastolic pressure. This is the pressure when your heart rests between beats. A normal reading is about 120 over 80. That means the systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80.
In the past, doctors didn’t worry unless the top number went above 140. But now, experts understand that even numbers in the 130s can still cause damage to the heart. That’s why the American Heart Association now says blood pressure is high when it is 130 over 80 or more.
One important study called the SPRINT trial looked at how much lower blood pressure should be. It found that if people at high risk for heart disease kept their systolic pressure below 120, they had fewer heart attacks and strokes. This shows that keeping blood pressure lower can really protect the heart.
When blood pressure is high, the heart has to work harder to pump. This extra work makes the heart muscle thicker and less flexible. Eventually, it may not pump blood as well as it should. High blood pressure can also harm the arteries, making them stiff and narrow. This makes it easier for them to get blocked, which can lead to heart attacks.
Just having slightly high blood pressure doesn’t always mean someone will get heart disease. But the chances increase if you also smoke, are overweight, have high cholesterol or diabetes, are older, or if heart disease runs in your family. That’s why doctors look at all these things together, not just blood pressure alone.
Today, doctors try to catch high blood pressure early. If someone’s blood pressure is between 120 and 129 over less than 80, it is called “elevated.” At this stage, people are usually told to make healthy changes in their lifestyle.
If it reaches 130 over 80 or higher, doctors may recommend medicine along with other changes like eating healthier, exercising, and reducing stress.
There are many natural ways to lower blood pressure. These include eating less salt, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying active, losing weight, and quitting smoking. For many people, these changes are enough. But some people still need medicine to keep their heart safe.
The goal is to keep blood pressure under 130 over 80 if you already have heart problems or are at risk. Even though high blood pressure might not make you feel sick at first, it can be dangerous over time. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help protect your heart and keep your blood pressure at a safe level.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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