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Do you know that high blood pressure or hypertension is affecting one in every three Americans? It has become a common health condition across the globe. People tend to take this health condition lightly. But guess what. Most people are unaware of the fact that they are suffering from it. It is a critical health condition and it can actually hurt you. The facts about high blood pressure, which we know are pretty basic. Unless, of course, you are a doctor or a nurse!
The common knowledge about high blood pressure is that when your heart beats, it essentially creates pressure. And this pressure pushes the blood through the arteries. And it is measured by systolic and diastolic pressure. Most of us are also aware of the use of blood pressure monitors. And that the healthy and normal blood pressure range is less than 120/80. But, that is it! Here are some surprising and important facts about high blood pressure. Tag along!
5 Astonishing Facts about High Blood Pressure
You should never take high blood pressure lightly. Uncontrolled hypertension can raise the risks of heart stroke and heart disease. Heart diseases and strokes are one of the leading reasons of death in the United States. If you are suffering from it, know that it is preventable and treatable. Following are some surprising facts about high blood pressure:
- Women Who Suffer From High Blood Pressure Face Some Unique Risks
- It Doesn’t Have Any Clear Symptoms
- Many People who suffer from Hypertension Are Unaware Of it
- Young People Can Suffer From It Too
- It has links with Dementia
Let’s elaborate on them.
Women Who Suffer From High Blood Pressure Face Some Unique Risks
While high blood pressure affects people from both genders, it has some unique risks for women.
- Pregnant women who had high blood pressure are vulnerable to more complications than normal women. It can harm various organs of the mother such as kidneys
- It can also cause premature delivery and low birth weight
- Some methods of birth control can also increase the chances of high blood pressure in women
- It is advisable for women with this condition to lower their blood pressure before they want to expect
- Among all ethnic groups, African American women and men both have higher rates of blood pressure. Experts believe it is due to their higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart strokes
It Doesn’t Have Any Clear Symptoms
It is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. It has no vivid symptoms and that’s why people who are suffering from it can’t figure out what’s happening. Sometimes they can feel headaches or sweating. But people think it’s normal and hardly ever relate it to the said disease. People usually feel fine and don’t get it checked. It’s advisable to get yourself checked once in a while even if you think you are completely healthy.
Many People who suffer from Hypertension Are Unaware Of it
Do you know that about 11 million adults in the United States are unaware of the fact that they are suffering from high blood pressure? And of course, when they don’t know it, how will they get any treatment. People have their health insurance and they also visit their health care practitioner twice a year. But the condition can go undiagnosed for years. From both, patient and the doctor.
Young People Can Suffer From It Too
The common myth about high blood pressure is that only older adults suffer from it. While in reality, it can happen to younger people too.
- Around one in every four men and one in every five women suffer from the age group of 35-44 suffer from high blood pressure
- Hypertension is perhaps the leading cause of heart stroke. And heart disease is becoming more and more common in younger people
- Experts believe that rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure in younger people are the cause of heart strokes
- It is advisable for younger people to get their blood pressure checked once a year at least. You can get it checked anywhere, a pharmacy, doctor’s office, a grocery store, or even at home with a blood pressure monitor
It has links with Dementia
According to recent research studies, high blood pressure has a high risk of senility diseases and dementia. However, the timing seems to play an important role. According to studies, uncontrolled hypertension in midlife (between 45 to 65) can increase the risk of dementia in old age.
NOW is the time to think about your blood pressure levels and taking precautions to manage it!
