High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.
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However, lifestyle changes and medication can help you maintain good health.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure often shows no noticeable symptoms, so many people may not realize they have it. In rare cases, it can cause:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
The only way to accurately determine if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured.
Risks Associated with High Blood Pressure
When blood pressure is high, it places extra stress on your blood vessels, heart, and vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes. If left untreated, it can significantly increase your risk of developing:
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Vascular dementia
Even a small reduction in blood pressure can lower the risk of these serious conditions.
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure
Making healthy lifestyle changes can effectively lower your blood pressure.
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly—aim for at least 150 minutes a week.
- Lose weight if you’re overweight.
- Consume too much salt—limit salty foods and avoid adding extra salt to your meals.
- Drink too much alcohol—keep intake under 14 units per week.
- Overconsume caffeine—be mindful of coffee, tea, and cola.
- Smoke.
By incorporating these habits into your life, you can help manage your blood pressure and improve your overall health.
