Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
Many people do not recognize the symptoms of high blood pressure or mistake them for symptoms of other problems. It is important to be aware of signs pointing to high blood pressure, since untreated it can lead to a variety of ailments including heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. High blood pressure can also damage your sight and lead to blindness. Left untreated, high blood pressure may eventually be fatal. In fact, high blood pressure so often goes unrecognized that it has earned the name “the silent killer.” The first step to treating symptoms of high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure taken. Once you have determined whether or not your blood pressure is above normal, you will then be better able to discern when you are exhibiting high blood pressure symptoms. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers such as 110/60 (which is read or spoken as “110 over 60”). The first number refers to the pressure when the heart is contracting, the second to its pressure when the heart is relaxed. Readings above 120/80 are considered to be in the “pre” high blood pressure range and should be watched. Readings above 140/90 require a doctor’s care. Nausea, light headedness/dizziness, headaches, and blurred vision may all be symptoms of high blood pressure. You should immediately consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure symptoms. High blood pressure can lead to life threatening illnesses even if it’s the first time you have experienced them.
Other symptoms of high blood pressure may include confusion, fatigue, a racing heart or other heart beat irregularities, chest pain, or difficulty in breathing. Blood in the urine and blood in the stool are two high blood pressure symptoms that are often overlooked. Once you’ve ascertained that you may be experiencing symptoms of high blood pressure, it’s important that you immediately visit your doctor. At times when a doctor is not available, a visit to the emergency room may be indicated.
Fortunately, once you’re aware that you have symptoms of high blood pressure, it can be treated. Treatment for high blood pressure often includes a change in diet and an increase in certain types of exercise. You may be required to take your blood pressure on a daily basis or even two or more times a day. Medicine may also be part of your high blood pressure treatment plan. Without a doubt, continuing to recognize when high blood pressure symptoms occur will be an important part of your battle to lower your blood pressure.