High Blood Pressure: Time to Shout About This Silent Killer

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Awareness is Critical

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is making its presence known more often in disturbing and often lethal ways—particularly among the African-American population.

The prevalence of this condition has been attributed to several factors, including societal pressures and healthcare inequities, poor diet and access to exercise facilities due to poverty, and lack of education.

Think about it: you often hear people talk about the fact that they went on high blood pressure medication as a result of a health crisis. That often meant they waited until they could no longer ignore their health needs.

True Stories

I worked in a department at a hospital, of all places, where a very nice man I had come to know failed to show up for work one day.

That day became weeks, and I asked about whether anyone knew his whereabouts. I assumed he had gone on vacation or taken a sabbatical.

Shortly thereafter, he arrived at work and moved slowly while using a special assistive device. His words were somewhat slurred, and although he still mustered his trademark smile, he warned me NEVER to abandon my healthy regimen.?

He shared with me that he had developed a fondness for a three-egg omelet and multiple strips of bacon for breakfast, and his blood pressure had climbed to dangerous levels without his knowledge. At first, doctors had to save his life when he suffered a stroke. Then, he had to undergo a difficult and lengthy recovery.?

The fact remains that once you have a stroke, that event makes you more susceptible to having another one.

Another acquaintance went to the dentist complaining about severe tooth pain. It turns out that pain saved her life. This was the frightening experience of someone who had no idea she was a walking time bomb.

Before initiating a procedure, the dentist had the hygienist take the patient’s blood pressure. It was extremely high, and before then, she had no idea she had a problem. She had attended her annual physicals, but the doctor and nurse hadn’t mentioned that her pressure was rising with each visit and that it should be monitored.

She went immediately to the emergency room and received the medication she needed to rapidly restore her blood pressure to an acceptable range.?She is committed to taking her medication at the same time every day.

Blood Pressure Explained

Let’s examine simply what high blood pressure is. Measured in millimeters of mercury, it registers the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Since the arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body, you can see how important it is to have a smooth and healthy blood flow.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The numbers vary somewhat from resource to resource, but my doctor aims to keep me at 120/75 or lower. Per the Mayo Clinic, normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower, and Stage 1 hypertension is usually established when the mercury rises regularly to 130/80 or higher.

The first number is the systolic pressure, measured when the heart beats, and the second number is the diastolic pressure, measured when the heart rests between beats.?

The American Heart Association recommends taking readings multiple times, about five minutes apart, to establish a pattern.

The Signs

Please remember that hypertension is often asymptomatic. Nothing feels wrong until you have an episode. That’s why it’s recommended that, once diagnosed, you purchase a home blood pressure cuff unit. Some insurance programs even cover the cost of that device.

How to Measure Things at Home

The device is not 100% accurate; you may not always use it correctly, and you’re not the doctor, but do the best you can to follow the instructions. To improve accuracy, bring the unit to your doctor, have them calibrate it, and let them observe your technique.? If you keep a journal of your numbers and notice a significant difference, notify your doctor’s office immediately.

Why the Numbers Change

Blood pressure often varies, at least within a limited range, even among healthy individuals. Here are a few things that affect those numbers:

• Jumping up from a seated or reclining position
• Doing strenuous exercise
• Drinking cold drinks?
• Being in a cold room or environment
• Emotional triggers like good or bad news or arguing with someone
• Acute stress, as in a panic attack

Here’s a staggering stat: Hypertension affects almost half of American adults. The good news is that we can significantly reduce those numbers and live longer, healthier, more vital lives. Are you game?

Summary: Take Action and Feel the Difference

Here’s a list of what you can do to maintain healthy blood pressure:

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Your doctor can provide the details. Ask yourself: Are your favorite salty junk foods worth your health? You deserve better. And tasty, healthy food recipe books are all over the place!
• Exercise regularly, at least 3 hours a week. That’s only half an hour a day with one day off. Walking, dancing, and bicycling are all forms of exercise. There are programs on TV. Vary your routine!
• If the doctor prescribes a medication, take it and inform them about any side effects. Just ask U. Iye Ugbong, PharmD, MBA, CSSGB . Meds can be changed, and doses can be adjusted.
• Pray, meditate, or do both for 15-20 minutes daily to calm yourself.
• See your doctor for regular physicals and ask questions. Tell them to be honest so you can tackle your issues head-on.
• Monitor your blood pressure at home.
• Give yourself big hugs or other rewards for reducing your numbers. Share that information with supportive friends. They will inspire you to keep going.
• If you need a structured plan, consult with your doctor about specific needs or cautions and work with a health and wellness coach to keep you on track.

Change is Doable!

I have seen people turn their lives around by transforming their healthy self-care regimen. You can do this, and you deserve the energetic health improvements you will experience as a result.? Contact me using this link, and let’s get a conversation started.

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