Could You Have High Blood Pressure and Not Know It?

Nearly half of adults in the United States (roughly 108 million) have high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for serious health complications, including heart attack and stroke.

Most people with hypertension are asymptomatic. As a result, they are unaware of their elevated blood pressure and the health risks. High blood pressure can damage the body silently for years before symptoms become apparent. 

Regular visits to a medical expert such as Jorge Cordero, IMG, and the team at Tu Clinica Arlington in Arlington, Texas, can make all the difference. Preventive care is key. Your blood pressure is monitored and recorded at your annual physical and sick visits. If there are any problems, your medical expert will work with you to create an action to lower your blood pressure within a target range. 

High blood pressure: a silent disease

Millions of Americans have high blood pressure and don’t know it. Warning signs are often absent, and you may feel perfectly normal. That’s why hypertension has earned the nickname of the “silent killer.” However, you may develop symptoms such as headaches when blood pressure becomes extremely high. Even then, many patients assume their headaches are due to fatigue or stress.

Who’s at risk for hypertension?

Many factors influence blood pressure, including:

• Age: Risk increases with age
• Race: Hypertension is more common in African Americans and usually develops earlier than in other ethnicities
• Family history: High blood pressure tends to run in families; having a close relative with hypertension increases your risk 
• Excess body weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity raises your risk
• Tobacco use: Smoking damages blood vessels and is a major risk factor 
• Diet: Eating too much sodium and too little potassium hikes your risk
• Stress levels: Lasting high-stress levels are linked to high blood pressure 

Also, certain diseases can increase your blood pressure secondarily, including kidney disease and diabetes.

Know your numbers

There is only one way to tell if you have high blood pressure: Visit your healthcare provider and get your blood pressure checked. 

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. You're at risk for hypertension if these numbers are above 120 mmHg and 80 mmHg. High blood pressure is classified as 130/80 mmHg or higher reading.

You should get your blood pressure checked regularly with your doctor. It’s also helpful to have an at-home digital blood pressure cuff for regular self-monitoring. Tracking your blood pressure at home can help your provider determine whether your treatment is working. 

Being proactive is the best way to prevent and manage chronic conditions. To see if you have high blood pressure or may be at risk for developing high blood pressure or for a general checkup, schedule an appointment at Tu Clinica today. Call our office or request an appointment online.