Hypertension
So, you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension? (High blood pressure). Don’t worry, you are not alone! It is estimated that over 30% of the U.S. population has high blood pressure (BP). High BP is defined as having a systolic (the first number) greater than 140 and the diastolic (the second number) greater than 90. Having BP greater than 140/90 means your heart is working extra hard to perform its duties. The longer you put this strain on your heart, the faster the heart muscle will wear out, just like any muscle in your body. And, as it wears out, there will be bad consequences as a result: heart attacks, strokes, eye damage, kidney damage, etc. That is why we strive to have low blood pressure, to prevent these complications.
There are many reasons why you might have high BP. Sometimes, it is genetic and you can’t help it. Other times, it is lifestyle choices that cause your BP to rise: lack of exercise, being overweight, bad dietary habits, or even taking medications like pseudoephedrine, steroids, weight loss medications, birth control, ibuprofen, St. John’s Worth, and alcohol may cause high BP.
Each of us has a unique BP goal. This all depends on what else is going on with your body. If you only have high BP, your goal is to keep it below 140/90. If you have other complications such as diabetes, stroke or heart attack, your BP goal will be less than 130/80. If you have ventricular dysfunction, your BP goal is even lower at 120/80.
Several Ways to get your BP down:
