Basic First Aid

High Blood pressure is the measure of force against arteries. Do you have high blood pressure? Do you know what are common symptoms and signs of high blood pressure? This article will give you comprehensive information about common signs and symptoms of high blood pressure.

While people will sometimes ignore high blood pressure – also called hypertension, many are just unaware of the signs. Even those who have been diagnosed and prescribed medication will often ignore it, with studies showing a 90% non-compliance rate when prescribed medication. Ignoring the signs and symptoms or not taking medication causes serious health risks.

Normal blood pressure is 120/80. If this reading goes above 140/90, then you consider yourself as a hypertensive patient. Between 120 and 140 is a pre hypertensive stage. which can be controlled even by natural measures like exercise, low salt intake, stop smoking, lower cholesterol, eat vegetables etc.

The normal parameters for blood pressure range around 120/80. Once your blood pressure reading goes over 140/90, then doctors consider you a hypertensive patient. Any top reading from 120-140 is considered the beginning stages or high blood pressure. This is still very manageable with a few lifestyle changes to lower the reading.

For those a risky range in blood pressure, it’s important to stop smoking, increase exercise, and change diet. By adding healthy foods and lowering salt intake, combined with exercise, your healthier lifestyle can lower your blood pressure, often without medication.

High blood pressure or hypertension symptoms include headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, a flushed face and fatigue. Although people with high blood pressure may have many of these symptoms, they occur just as frequently in those with normal blood pressure.

The best way to gauge your blood pressure is to have it measured. There are many places to have this done for no charge. Often drug stores will take your blood pressure with a freestanding tester, or you can visit a fire-hall or ambulance station and have it taken by a paramedic on duty.

If left untreated, high blood pressure will turn into a chronic problem. The risk of hypertension can cause loss of vision, heart failure, strokes and kidney failure.

It is of utmost importance to realize that high blood pressure can be unrecognized for years, causing no symptoms but causing progressive damage to the heart, other organs, and blood vessels. For this reason it is important to make a visit to your doctor each year and have your blood pressure checked.

Filed under: first aid