High Blood Pressure: Are You At Risk?

Chances are you or someone you care about is dealing with high blood pressure. Did you know almost 36% of Bronx residents have hypertension? High blood pressure happens when the force of your blood against your vessel walls is too high. It’s sneaky—often showing no signs, earning it the name “silent killer.” You could be living with it for years without a clue. And here’s the problem: if untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious illness or even worse. In our community, it is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes, but we’re here to help you. Here’s what causes high blood pressure, the signs, and how you can avoid it.

Causes and Signs of High Blood Pressure

You are more likely to have high blood pressure if it runs in the family or if you have health issues like kidney disease or heart problems. Risk is also higher with older people, weight gain and African American adults. Salty foods, stress, alcohol intake, smoking and lack of exercise can also raise your chances for getting it. Usually, hypertension does not cause symptoms, but in severe cases, it can cause:

• Very fast heartbeat
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Nose bleeds

Seek medical care right away if you have high blood pressure and experience any of these symptoms.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To check your blood pressure, visit your doctor. They’ll use a special cuff on your arm that briefly stops the blood flow and then slowly lets it out. Two numbers are recorded: one when your heart beats and the other when it rests between beats, like 130 over 90 (130/90).
If your blood pressure is high, don’t worry right away. It may need to be checked a few times on different days. Your doctor might do some tests to find out why your blood pressure is high. To help bring it down to normal, you can make some changes in your life, like:

• Eating less salt
• Not drinking alcohol
• Not smoking
• Doing exercise for about 30 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week

If those changes don’t work, your doctor might give you medicine to lower your blood pressure.

Management

It is very important to see your doctor for regular checkups. High blood pressure can be easily managed when caught early. Our doctors can diagnose it and develop the best care plan for you. SBH Health System also offers classes and events to help you build better lifestyle habits. The SBH Center for Culinary Medicine and Teaching Kitchen teaches how to make easy meals that are yummy, healthy and inexpensive. The SBH Health & Wellness Center and Healthplex Fitness Center host exercise programs for patients and the community.

To learn more about our wellness programs, find a doctor or schedule an appointment, call us at (718) 960-9000 or visit us online. If you’re struggling with high blood pressure contact your doctor, if you don’t have one here are our Primary Care Physicians (https://www.sbhny.org/our-services/primary-care/.