High Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure is very important to your overall health.  The blood pressure is responsible for pushing the blood against the walls of your arteries.  

Because arteries carry your blood to many parts of the body if that pressure is off or high it can cause problems.

Doctors look for your blood pressure to be less than 120 and less than 80 (or 120/80).  If you are 130-139 over 80-89 it’s considered elevated blood pressure or hypertension.  The higher it gets, the higher your risk.

High blood pressure can damage your arteries, narrowing them from the increased pressure.

Smaller or damaged arteries can lead to issues with your heart.  This includes angina, arrhythmias (irregular heart beats) and heart attacks.

Your brain can be damaged by lack of blood flow and that can lead to TIAs (mini strokes), a stroke and even dementia.

Kidneys can also be affected by high blood pressure.  Your kidneys filter excess fluid and waste from your blood.  You need healthy blood vessels for this. 

Finally, your eyes can be at risk since blood is supplied through delicate and tiny blood vessels.

Consequently, you and I need to be vigilant about having our blood pressure checked, especially as we age.

What can you do to help keep your blood pressure in the normal range?

• Eat a healthy diet
• Keep yourself at a healthy weight
• Be physically active, including weight bearing exercises
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Get enough sleep

There are also medications available to help with highly elevated blood pressure.  

Private Home Health Care wants you to be sure to get in touch with your health care provider on what is best for you.  Stay well.