Nearly half of all American women and men have high blood pressure (hypertension), and only about a quarter have their condition under control. That means the remaining three-quarters are at risk for serious, life-threatening complications.
Even those who have their hypertension under control now could face difficulties in the future unless they monitor their blood pressure regularly. Blood pressure can change over time, and unless your management plan adapts, too, you can also be left facing serious risks.
At TLC Medical Group Inc, Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, helps patients find workable, real-life solutions to manage their blood pressure while supporting better health and quality of life. Let’s learn why hypertension happens and why it’s gained a reputation as a “silent killer.”
Blood pressure refers to the pressure your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. Your blood pressure measurement includes two numbers — one that reflects pressure while your heart is contracting and one that shows pressure between beats, while your heart is resting.
A healthy, normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. An elevated pressure is a pressure where the first number is between 120 and 129 and the second number is under 80. Hypertension is defined as any pressure above that, with higher numbers indicating more severe — even life-threatening — hypertension.
Every organ and tissue in your body needs a steady supply of blood to deliver nutrients and remove wastes. But when blood pressure is higher than normal, that added pressure can damage tissues and organs over time, leading to an array of health problems.
Hypertension is a chronic medical problem, and without a proper management plan, it can cause or contribute to problems like:
These are serious complications, but perhaps the biggest danger associated with hypertension is its “silence.” Even though it can be life-threatening, hypertension typically causes no symptoms at all until a serious consequence happens. For this reason, it’s often referred to as a “silent killer.”
Not only does a lack of symptoms raise risks for people diagnosed with hypertension, but it also means millions of people have high blood pressure and don’t even know it. Data show roughly half of the 75 million people who have hypertension aren’t managing it properly, and more than 10% remain undiagnosed with no idea they have a problem. Having routine blood pressure screenings is essential for “catching” hypertension early, before it causes serious problems.
Hypertension rarely goes away on its own — instead, it responds best to a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Dr. Lewis works closely with each patient to develop a management plan focused on improving blood pressure based on each person’s risk factors and health needs.
Many people find they can manage their blood pressure with healthy habits, like:
Having a blood pressure cuff at home helps you measure your blood pressure more often, so you can track your progress and monitor for changes that need medical attention.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to manage your hypertension, Dr. Lewis may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, or both. Regular check-ins ensure your plan stays on track so you can move toward a healthier future.
Hypertension is a serious medical condition, but with the right management plan in place, you can dramatically reduce your risk of complications. To learn how we can help, request an appointment with Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, online or by phone today.
