Feature Article: September 2021 – Why Is High Blood Pressure A Health Concern?

Why Is High Blood Pressure A Health Concern?

Peter Hinz, D.C.

High blood pressure is a major health concern to many. It can lead to many side effects and problems, including increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, kidney damage, sexual dysfunction, and development of dementia.

Your health should be your number one priority. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy. There are many different illnesses and symptoms that we can control with our gut health.

Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms and some may have no symptoms at all when their blood pressure is too high. That is why it is important to always have regular physicals with your doctor to keep a check on your health. Some of the major symptoms that people will express are:

  • Bad Headaches
  • Fatigue and Exhaustion
  • Chest, Neck, and Ear Thumping
  • Short Temper

Those are some of the more commonly heard ones, but they are not limited to just those. Some experience other signs as well. Such as:

  • Nose Bleeds
  • Blood In Urine
  • Irregular Heartbeat
  • Blurred Vision
  • Trouble Breathing
  • Confusion
  • Chest Pain

What Range Should Your Blood Pressure Be?

The range of your blood pressure goes by your age and by gender. The younger you are, the lower it can be. But, overall there is a general area you want it to be in. some examples of age ranges and blood pressure levels are:

  • From The Age of 5-10 Years Old In Girls, It Should Range 104-111/65-73
  • Same Age Range For Boys Should Be 103-112/66-73
  • From The Age of 11-24 Years Old In Girls, It Should Range 113-120/74-80
  • Same Age Range For Boys Should Be 114-120/74-80
  • From The Age of 25-60 Years Old In Women, It Should Range 120-134/80-86
  • Same Age Range For Men Should Be 121-135/80-88

As you can see, the numbers are all generally pretty close to each other. Everyone’s body is different and may show a slight difference in numbers. If the numbers are staying in the general location of these numbers though, your blood pressure is considered okay.

Why It Is Important To Talk With Your Doctor

When you are having any signs or symptoms of high blood pressure you should always speak with your doctor. The normal range for your blood pressure is 120/80. If your blood pressure is higher than that on a regular basis, speak with your medical provider.

When your blood pressure is higher than 140/90, you should start expressing your concerns with your doctor. If it is above 180/120, you are in dire need of medical attention. There are many side effects and problems that you can have with high blood pressure, especially if you leave it untreated. Such as:

  • Increased Risk Of A Heart Attack, Stroke, and Heart Failure
  • Can Cause Kidney Damage
  • Can Mess Up Your Eyesight
  • Cause Frequent Chest Pain
  • Sexual Dysfunction
  • Increase Risk Of Peripheral Artery Disease
  • Higher Risk of Aneurysm
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Development of Dementia

Ways To Help High Blood Pressure

When you discover that you are experiencing trouble with high blood pressure, there are some lifestyle changes that you can make to improve your situation. Your doctor will most likely prescribe you medication to take and recommend some changes to be made. Some of the changes that can be made are:

  • Lose Extra Weight You’re Carrying
  • Exercise Regularly
  • Reduce Sodium in Your Diet
  • Change Your Eating Habits To Be Healthier
  • Incorporate Heart-Healthy Foods
  • Limit Beer and Alcohol
  • Stop Smoking
  • Try Meditation or Yoga To Reduce Stress
  • Reduce The Amount Of Caffeine You Take In Each Day

Holistic Practices To Improve Blood Pressure

If you are someone who may want to search for more natural ways to treat your body, you may be interested in looking at the options that are out there for blood pressure. You should always speak with a professional about your situation and illness before trying any of the options on your own. Your health is very important and you should take care of it in the best way possible for you.

There are many instances when high blood pressure can occur, it isn’t just a thing that elderly people develop with age. There are many younger aged children and teenagers who are being diagnosed using methods of natural care can be approached by:

  • Acupuncture
  • Diet and Exercise
  • Chiropractic Care
  • Herbs
  • Reducing Stress

Why Your Blood Pressure Matters

The foods that we eat are what fuel our bodies to do everything that we need them to. Including supporting our immune system and keeping us healthy. There are so many foods out there that are not good for us and don’t supply us with the adequate amounts of nutrition that our bodies need. Some heart-healthy foods are:

  • Spinach and Kale
  • Whole Wheat Options
  • Brown Rice
  • Rye and Barley
  • Walnuts and Almonds
  • Berries, Avocado, and Tomatoes
  • Fatty Types of Fish and Oil
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, and Hemp Seeds
  • Garlic and Olive Oil
  • Beans

When you have high blood pressure, eating healthy whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and a low-fat dairy diet is very beneficial. By changing these things in your diet, it has been proven time and time again to lower high blood pressure amazingly. Foods that are high in salt, sugar, and trans fats are only hurting your arteries and causing health problems for you.

Dr. Peter Hinz in Franklin, TN is a chiropractor who treats many different areas of the body to give relief of many ailments. This type of holistic care has been recommended by many to help reduce high blood pressure.