Hypertension or high blood pressure is the force the heart must use in order to push blood through the bodies veins and arteries. There are two distinct blood pressures; the first is the systolic pressure which pumps the blood through the arteries. The second, called diastolic pressure is the force of the pressure between vessels and beats of the heart. In a normal healthy body, the blood pressure is usually 120/80.

Many patients are unaware of the onset of primary hypertension as the symptoms are commonly mild and nonspecific. With this being the case, it is no wonder it has been labeled the ’silent killer.” If gone undetected, a Hypertensive crisis may occur in which a stroke or heart attack will be the result. In these cases, fatality may be the end result.

Fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches are the most common complaints of people with high blood pressure. Over the counter medication and high blood pressure medication will not remedy this form of headache. The headache is caused by an increase in blood flow in the head causing strain on the vessels in the brain. Typically, these headaches are a sharp pain pulsating behind the eyes and usually occur first thing in the morning. The cause of these headaches is the excessive amounts of blood pumping through the heart. As a result of this unusual increase in blood flow, blindness, white spots and heart palpitations can occur.

Only about 1% of people living with high blood pressure have malignant hypertension. This form of high blood pressure requires immediate medical help as it can lead to heart attack or stroke. Sadly, many individuals go for years without knowing they have high blood pressure. Unfortunately, this can lead to permanent damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys and even bring on angina pain. This is a silent killer and people everywhere must become aware of how to prevent or manage this deadly disease. A simple lifestyle change to exercise and a healthy diet containing vegetables, wholegrain, fruit and low fat dairy combined with the guidance of a medical professional can aid in creating a long and healthy life.

If you are a person who is exposed to much stress, this must also be controlled. Some hypertension is caused by stress, and this is never good for anyone. Too much of it will have an adverse effect on your health whether or not you have high blood pressure. It just makes sense to cut anything or anyone out of your life who causes undo stress to your health, accept for your children. That is stress you just have to live with and manage some how. They are yours for 18 years.

If you are overweight it would be to your good benefit to lose the extra pounds and maintain a health body weight. It is also a good idea to control unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. This will help to lower and maintain proper blood pressure, to prevent its life-threatening complications that could have far reaching consequences.