High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world.

The condition involves excessive pressure in your blood vessels, which can damage the heart over time and increase your risk of complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the role of blood pressure in determining your cardiovascular risk, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for high blood pressure.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries as it flows through your body. Your blood pressure is typically measured with two numbers:.

The systolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats
The diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats

Blood pressure is measured in units of millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg.

However, if your blood pressure consistently measures at 130/80 mmHg or higher, then you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:.

Age – As you get older, your blood vessels become less elastic, which can increase your blood pressure
Genetics – High blood pressure can run in families
Diet – Eating a diet high in salt, fat, and cholesterol can increase your blood pressure
Lifestyle – Lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all increase your blood pressure
Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, obesity, and sleep apnea, can increase your risk of high blood pressure

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Many people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, which is why it’s often called the “silent killer”. However, some people may experience the following symptoms:.

Headaches
Dizziness
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Blurred vision

How Can High Blood Pressure Affect Your Heart?

High blood pressure can affect your heart by:.

Increasing your risk of coronary artery disease
Causing your heart to enlarge, which can weaken the heart muscle over time
Increasing your risk of heart failure
Leading to a heart attack or stroke

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose high blood pressure with a simple test called a blood pressure reading.

To get an accurate reading, you will need to have your blood pressure measured several times over a period of weeks to ensure that the readings are consistent.

Treatment Options for High Blood Pressure

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend the following treatment options:.

Lifestyle changes – This can include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing your alcohol intake
Medications – Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help lower your blood pressure

The Importance of Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

Monitoring your blood pressure is an important part of managing your cardiovascular risk. People with high blood pressure should monitor their blood pressure regularly to ensure that it is under control.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend that you purchase a home blood pressure monitor so that you can keep track of your blood pressure at home.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a common condition that can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other complications.

However, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of these complications. Remember to monitor your blood pressure regularly and work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that works for you.