Prostate Restored
Photo by Ivan Samkov Pexels Logo Photo: Ivan Samkov

Can you feel high blood pressure?

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can happen without feeling any abnormal symptoms. Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure.

riversideonline.com - What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? - Riverside Health System
How long do you have to rest after TURP surgery?
How long do you have to rest after TURP surgery?

Recovery from surgery should take about three weeks. Symptoms such as frequent or painful urination may continue for a while. They should lessen in...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 11, 2018
What increases your lifespan?
What increases your lifespan?

Wise Choices Get moving. Eat a healthy diet. Get tips at ChooseMyPlate.gov (USDA) Pay attention to weight and shape. Don't smoke or use tobacco....

Read More »
Last updated Jan 30, 2018

One in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure and many don’t even know it. How can this be? Because high blood pressure rarely has any symptoms. “High blood pressure or hypertension is known as a silent disease because you may not feel any symptoms at all,” says Priscilla Bullen, FNP-BC, of Riverside Primary Care Hidenwood. “It increases your risk of heart disease, heart failure, stroke and heart attack.” Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls. High blood pressure is when that force is higher than normal. It often has no signs or symptoms and can lead to other health problems if it’s not treated.

Blood pressure is mostly a silent disease

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can happen without feeling any abnormal symptoms.

Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure. Often, these are late signs that high blood pressure has existed for some time, therefore annual checks are recommended for all adults.

Get to know your numbers

Because there aren’t any symptoms, it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Get to know the numbers and when to get help from your doctor.

Your blood pressure will have two numbers:

Systolic is the upper number, measuring when your heart is forcing blood through your vessels.

Diastolic is the lower number, measuring pressure between heart beats.

For example, 120/80 indicates a systolic blood pressure of 120 and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm/Hg.

What is a normal blood pressure?

Both the American Heart Association and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have published guidelines for defining healthy and elevated blood pressure. You can follow either guidelines, depending on what you and your doctor agree is acceptable.

USPSTF Guidelines for Blood Pressure

Normal Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg

Diastolic:Less than 80 mm Hg Elevated Systolic: 120-129 mm Hg

Diastolic:

AHA Guidelines for Blood Pressure

Do most people survive prostate cancer?
Do most people survive prostate cancer?

The 5-year survival rate for people with prostate cancer in the United States is 98%. The 10-year survival rate is also 98%. Approximately 84% of...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 19, 2020
Are pumpkin seeds like Viagra?
Are pumpkin seeds like Viagra?

Pumpkin Seeds And don't underestimate the power of zinc when it comes to a woman's sex drive. One study found that pumpkin seeds are a great libido...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 8, 2021

Normal Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg

Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg Elevated Systolic: 120-129 mm Hg

Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg High Blood Pressure Stage 1 (Hypertension) Systolic: 130-139 mm Hg Diastolic: 80-89 mm Hg High Blood Pressure Stage 2 (Hypertension) Systolic: 140 mm Hg or higher Diastolic: 90 mm Hg or higher Hypertensive Crisis Systolic: Higher than 180 mm Hg

Diastolic: Higher than 120 mm Hg

Who is at risk for high blood pressure?

Your family history, lifestyle and medications can increase the chances you’ll develop high blood pressure. Risk factors for high blood pressure include:

Age

Overweight

Family history

Diet high in salt

Drinking too much

Some medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, also known as NSAIDS, some decongestants, weight loss medicines and stimulants) Some underlying health conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, kidney conditions, adrenal gland tumors and thyroid diseases

Inactivity

Tobacco and illicit drug use

Other

Unfortunately, family history is a large contributing factor. Even if you eat well, are physically active and avoid risk factors, you may still experience high blood pressure.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you fall in the at-risk or high blood pressure categories above. If your blood pressure is in the crisis range, contact your doctor immediately. Call 911 if you’re experiencing any other symptoms like chest pain, blurred vision or slurred speech.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Treatment for high blood pressure will commonly include medication and healthy lifestyle changes such as:

Losing weight

Eating a healthful diet

Quitting smoking

Drinking less alcohol

Reducing stress

“Changing a few daily habits like walking more and eating less salt can bring blood pressure into normal range,” says Bullen.

Do you know your numbers?

Schedule an appointment with Priscilla Bullen, FNP to get to know your numbers today. Our caring primary care providers are here to help you stay on track with your health. Expert help is just a call away.

riversideonline.com - What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? - Riverside Health System
Does blonde hair make you look younger?
Does blonde hair make you look younger?

Does Blonde Hair Make You Look Younger? It does indeed! Warm blonde tones such as honey, gold, caramel and strawberry blonde can take years off...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 22, 2019
Where does prostate cancer spread first?
Where does prostate cancer spread first?

In theory, prostate cancer cells can spread anywhere in the body. In practice, though, prostate cancer metastasis occurs most often in the lymph...

Read More »
Last updated May 24, 2018
What causes low testosterone in a man?
What causes low testosterone in a man?

Acquired circumstances that can lead to secondary hypogonadism include: Normal aging: Aging affects production and response to hormones. Obesity:...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 14, 2022
What can I use instead of flip flops?
What can I use instead of flip flops?

5 cute, comfortable sandals to wear instead of flip-flops Vionic Kirra Orthaheel Sandal. Get the feel of an upgraded flip-flop without the foot...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 23, 2018