When you visit your doctor’s office, a nurse will generally take your blood pressure. This reading tells medical professionals whether you have low, normal, or high blood pressure, and is ultimately an important metric used to gauge overall health and risk for serious conditions. Find out more about the importance of blood pressure and how to control yours below.

Questions About Blood Pressure Answered

Why does blood pressure matter?

Blood pressure is measured by how much blood the heart pumps, as well as the level of resistance against blood flow there may be throughout your body. Measuring blood pressure is important because high blood pressure often doesn’t produce any outward symptoms in its early stages. Yet, it could put you at a higher risk for stroke, heart attack, and other serious health issues.

What does high blood pressure mean?

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure means the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. If left unchecked, this could lead to conditions such as heart disease over time. In addition to serious cardiovascular issues, it can also have body-wide effects, including blood vessel damage in the eyes and kidneys, as well as cognitive impairment.

What causes high blood pressure?

Many adults develop hypertension slowly over time, and there may not always be any single identifiable cause for the condition. The risk for the condition is often based on a mixture of genetic and lifestyle factors, including age, family history, tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and alcohol consumption. In the case of secondary hypertension, elevated blood pressure is directly caused by a condition such as thyroid or kidney issues, medication, or obstructive sleep apnea. 

What are some strategies for lowering blood pressure?

Fortunately, blood pressure can be controlled effectively through lifestyle changes. Reducing salt, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and getting in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week are effective strategies for lowering blood pressure. Avoiding or quitting smoking and controlling alcohol consumption can also help. If needed, doctors may also prescribe blood pressure medication to control levels. 

If you have high blood pressure and you’re seeking effective strategies to help manage it, turn to Columbia Hickory Pharmacy in Columbia, MD. This pharmacy is a proud member of the CARE Pharmacies Cooperation, which has served communities for more than 50 years. Their attentive pharmacists can aid you in prescription management as well as care for ongoing conditions through solutions such as blood pressure kits. See their locations online now or call (410) 964-6409 to get in touch.