Diane Carlton

Winn ACH, APHN

May is national high blood pressure education month. Are you aware that hypertension is often called the "silent killer," and for good reason. The condition provides little evidence that it exists, until it provokes a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke.

Don’t let hypertension sneak up on you

May is national high blood pressure education month. Are you aware that hypertension is often called the "silent killer," and for good reason. The condition provides little evidence that it exists, until it provokes a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke.

According to the National Institute of Health, high blood pressure is the leading controllable contributor to heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and end-stage renal disease, and contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality of people with diabetes.

A blood pressure chart reflects categories defined by the American Heart Association. Blood pressure ranges are associated by the systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) measurements. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80; prehypertension is 120-139 over 80-89; high blood pressure is defined in stages. Stage one is 140-159 over 90-99; stage two is 160 or higher over 100 or higher.

Those who suffer with hypertensive crisis is higher than 180 over 110 and should seek medical care immediately.

Most often, there are no signs of hypertension at all. Typically people find out they have high blood pressure by accident. They will go to the doctor to get a physical, have back pain checked out, or a cough or cold diagnosed, and are surprised to find out that they have high blood pressure.

It is a rare occurrence that a person will have signs of hypertension, and visit the doctor specifically to get a high blood pressure diagnosis.

High blood pressure symptoms can appear when the condition becomes severe for an extended period of time.

Symptoms associated with severe high blood pressure are feeling confused or other neurological symptoms; nosebleeds; fatigue; blurred vision; chest pain and or abnormal heartbeat.

Empower yourself concerning your health. Know what your normal blood pressure number is by getting regular blood pressure screenings, avoid high-risk behaviors like smoking and overeating, and seek medical attention promptly if your blood pressure number is higher than normal or you experience headaches, dizziness, visual changes, or your heart beat feels stronger or faster.

Army Public Health Nursing encourages you to see your healthcare provider on a regular basis for your health assessment.

If you have questions you may contact us here at 435-5071.