High blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer", and for good reason. This sly disease shows no signs or symptoms until major damage is done. The first indication might be a heart attack or stroke—the top causes of death in the United States. Around 65 million Americans have high blood pressure, or hypertension. The rate is predominantly high in African Americans. Also, despite similar treatment, blood pressure less often returned to normal in African Americans.
Blood pressure has two readings, measured in millimeters of mercury (abbreviated “mm Hg”). The top number indicates systolic pressure—the highest pressure attained when the heart contracts. The bottom number indicates diastolic pressure—the lowest pressure right before the heart contracts again. For a perfectly healthy person, systolic pressure is lower than 120 mm Hg and diastolic pressure is lower than 80 mm Hg.
Pre-hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 or diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg. The threshold for hypertension begins at 140 systolic, 90 diastolic. Hypertension damages arteries and strains the heart. Pressure in the arteries is caused by the force of the heart’s contraction, the volume of blood, and the thinness and rigidity of the arteries. With age, arteries lose elasticity.
Atherosclerosis, a condition where fat gets deposited in the arterial walls, can both lead to and result from hypertension. Other outcomes of hypertension can be heart diseases, strokes, kidney damage, and blinding eye diseases.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure. They include:
1. Reducing dietary salt
2. Eating a plant-based diet
3. Quitting smoking
4. Exercising regularly
5. Losing excess weight
6. Managing stress
Doctors also prescribe medications: diuretics to increase water loss in urine, beta blockers to slow down the heart, and other medications intended to dilate the arteries. If you’re taking a prescription medication to lower blood pressure, do not stop—not before a discussion with your doctor. None of the remedies in this bl is intended as a replacement for standard medical care.