I am at an age where physiological changes are becoming more and more apparent. Weight (fat) has begun to cling to my once muscular frame, my hair continues to gray and my precious hairline continues its retreat. In addition to these obvious changes, my body has decided to try hypertension. The decision to try hypertension is not something I am particularly happy with, but it is something that I should have seen on the horizon and prepared for, since my father and younger brother have already had to face it.
On March 23rd I paid an unexpected visit to my doctor, who has had to prescribe medication to treat my rising blood pressure. Now, I have decided to post this article about the topic of high blood pressure since it has imposed itself as the central issue in my life at this moment. To gain a better understanding of what hypertension or high blood pressure is, it would be a good idea to have an understanding about what blood pressure is. Blood pressure is the measurement in millimeters of mercury that blood puts on your arteries as it passes through your body's cardiovascular system. There are two measurements that are recorded when measuring your body's blood pressure. These are the systolic and diastolic measurements. The systolic measurement is the measurement of pressure on your arteries as your heart is beating. The diastolic measurement is the measurement of pressure when your heart is at rest. Normal blood pressure is 120/80, read as 120 over 80. Blood pressure is said to be high when it measures 140-150 over 90-99. You have high blood pressure at this stage, and need to make significant lifestyle changes. If your blood pressure reaches 160/100 you have reached the more severe stage of secondary high blood pressure. Medication will be prescribed to treat it in addition to the lifestyle changes you must make. My blood pressure currently measures 160/100, which means I have secondary high blood pressure. If left untreated it could lead to further cardiovascular diseases. After a conversation with my brother I have discovered that high blood pressure is a trait that runs heavily on both sides of my family. And in my case, as is the case with most African Americans, secondary high blood pressure can be a more serious condition in our ethnic group than in others. So, let the lifestyle changes begin! Hypertension or high blood pressure is a non-discriminatory condition that could lead to, and if left untreated often does lead to, heart disease, kidney disease and/or stroke. The estimate is that one in four Americans has high blood pressure. What makes high blood pressure a serious matter is the fact that it has no overt symptoms. That is why it is called the silent killer. It does sever damage to vital internal organs, and by the time symptoms are recognizable the risk of fatality is high. As a service to my readers as well as to myself, I will from time to time post articles about high blood pressure and how I am coping with it. I feel that it is important for good health to be aware of the risks we face when we neglect our health and the necessity to take care of ourselves in the best manner possible. If you have any comments or suggestions I would be more than happy to hear them and pass them on.
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