We often assume that if there is something wrong with our bodies, we would know about it. After all, almost every infection or ailment out there produces symptoms or makes you feel less than your best. Unfortunately, a condition called hypertension is an outlier when it comes to symptom progression.

Our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team explains the dangers of high blood pressure and what risk factors could increase your risk of developing hypertension below.

What Is a Normal Blood Pressure?

Your body needs blood to be pumped through your blood vessels to bring your organs the oxygen and other nutrients they need to function. A blood pressure reading measures the force that your heart is using to pump blood to these organs and it needs to be carefully controlled so it doesn’t create excess strain on your heart. A normal blood pressure is a reading of ¹²⁰⁄₈₀ mm Hg or lower.

When your blood pressure gets above this normal range slightly, that is considered an elevated blood pressure. This number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg but the bottom number is still below 80 mm Hg. If your blood pressure continues to climb, it can reach the hypertension stage. This stage is diagnosed after your top number reading reaches 130 mm Hg or higher or your bottom number is 80 mm Hg or higher. The longer your blood pressure remains in the hypertension stage, the higher the risk you run of suffering some serious health complications.

Reasons for a High Blood Pressure

• Being overweight
• Having a high sodium diet
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
• Being under a lot of stress

When Does High Blood Pressure Become Dangerous?

Temporary spikes in blood pressure, like quick bouts of stress or recovering after a night of excess alcohol consumption, is usually not a cause for concern. When it becomes a chronic issue due to a poor diet or lack of exercise, it can start to affect the rest of your body. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, it will cause excess strain on your artery walls that can increase your risk of suffering a burst or blocked blood vessel.

It can also lead to a seriously increased risk of suffering from medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes. Unfortunately, hypertension often doesn’t produce any symptoms, which is why it is so aptly named “The Silent Killer.” Get your blood pressure screened regularly, and take steps toward living a healthier life every day to keep your risk lowered.

Ways to Control Blood Pressure

• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a well-rounded diet and limit your salt intake.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking.
• Prioritize getting proper sleep every night.

We are here to help you feel better. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Louisville any day of the week.