VISITING ANGELS CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 815-479-0312
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American Heart Month: Importance of Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure

American Heart Month: Importance of Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can lead to life-threatening conditions that have long-lasting effects, but it isn’t always an easy condition to recognize as it usually has no warning signs. Because it is often hidden until more severe problems occur, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is often known as the “silent killer.”

About one in three adults has high blood pressure. Even children can develop hypertension, but the risk increases with age. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hypertension was prevalent among 63% of the population 60 years and older in 2015-16. Because it is so common, there are several scientific advancements to monitor blood pressure to prevent a cardiac condition or event.

What does high blood pressure mean for health?

Over time, high blood pressure damages arteries by making them less elastic, decreasing blood and oxygen flow to your heart. This can lead to the number one cause of death in the United States: heart disease. Heart disease refers to several heart conditions that can lead to major cardiovascular events such as heart attack. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, and the organ begins to die without oxygen. Heart disease can also lead to heart failure, a condition where your heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to other organs in the body.

The heart is central to managing blood pressure, but high blood pressure can have extreme effects on other organs as well. A stroke can occur when blood and oxygen supply are blocked or limited from the brain. Brain cells die during a stroke due to lack of oxygen, which can cause severe disabilities in movement, speech, and basic activities. Strokes can also be fatal.

Adults with high blood pressure, especially those with diabetes, have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease than those without the conditions. Kidney disease is another leading cause of death in the United States, so maintaining healthy blood pressure is actively working against these commonly fatal conditions. 

Locate the problem

Because it is so hard to spot high blood pressure day-to-day, it is important to have it checked by your doctor. Doctors routinely check high blood pressure at most check-ups, and it is a quick and easy test that can have lasting effects on protecting your health. Several pharmacies also have digital blood pressure monitors that are easily accessible if you cannot see a doctor in a timely manner. 

It’s important to remember that blood pressure can be affected temporarily by many factors while you are receiving a test. General anxiety over a doctor’s visit or blood pressure test may make your reading higher at the moment. Additionally, exercise, caffeine, alcohol, or smoking within 30 minutes of a test can result in a higher reading. Even your posture and how you are sitting can affect your reading: sitting with legs crossed and letting your arm droop at your side rather than rest on a table can make your blood pressure go up.

Manage blood pressure accordingly

If you receive a diagnosis of high blood pressure, it is important to make the recommended lifestyle changes by your doctor to manage the problem and avoid any of the above health risks. Your doctor may provide you with an at-home blood pressure monitor to perform regular check-ups on yourself. A healthy weight and diet, healthy habits like regular exercise and limiting caffeine, alcohol and smoking intake are crucial to maintaining healthy blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about your stress triggers and how you might reduce daily stress on your heart.

Visiting Angels Crystal Lake offers in-home caregivers to help you achieve healthy blood pressure and manage any lifestyle changes or routines in Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary, Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich and the surrounding areas. Our caregivers can help with healthy meal preparation, medication reminders, and motivation for exercise, among other things. Learn about the many ways an in-home caregiver can help you or a loved one improve health and reduce the risks for many life-threatening conditions due to high blood pressure. Reach out today at (815) 479-0312.

Serving Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary, Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CRYSTAL LAKE, IL
228 Florence St
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-479-0312

Serving Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary, Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CRYSTAL LAKE, IL
228 Florence St
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-479-0312