WHY BLOOD PRESSURE MATTERS

ACTIVE HEALTH | THE MONTHLY BRIEF

Personalized primary care. Practical health information.

Know your numbers - Why blood pressure matters

The Takeaway

High blood pressure is common and often has no symptoms. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.

If you have high blood pressure, it can be managed through lifestyle changes and occasionally medication management.

A Preventive Health Reminder

Your blood pressure should be checked regularly—even if you feel completely healthy. High blood pressure often doesn't cause symptoms, so routine screening is an important part of preventive care. A yearly check is a great start!

What Do The Numbers Mean?

Both numbers provide important information about your cardiovascular health.

• The top number (systolic) is the amount of pressure inside your blood vessels when your heart is contracting.

• The bottom number (diastolic) is the amount of pressure inside your blood vessels when your heart is relaxed.

Below is a guide that shows normal and dangerous values.

From the American Heart Association

Causes of High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure is usually primary (not caused by something specific). The risk increases as you get older as your blood vessels become stiffer.

• However, a common secondary cause of high blood pressure is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

• During an episode of obstructive sleep apnea, breathing temporarily stops or becomes restricted, causing oxygen levels to drop. These episodes activate the body's stress response, which can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure. Repeated episodes over time can contribute to persistent high blood pressure and increase risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Some symptoms of sleep apnea (OSA) include loud snoring, apnea (stopping breathing during sleep), waking up with a headache, waking up feeling not refreshed, feeling exhausted during the day.

What You Can Do

1. Limit sodium in your diet, particularly from processed and packaged foods.

2. Exercise regularly: aim for 150 minutes of cardio per week.

3. Manage stress through yoga, meditation, therapy, and good quality sleep.

4. Monitor your blood pressure at least annually at your preventative wellness visit with your PCP.

5. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerning symptoms of OSA as mentioned above.

When Should You Seek Urgent Evaluation?

If you have severely elevated blood pressure along with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, confusion, weakness, or vision changes, please go to the nearest emergency room.

From Active Health

Have questions about your blood pressure, preventive care, or your overall health?

At Active Health DPC, we believe primary care should be personalized, accessible, and focused on the whole person.

If you'd like to learn more about our practice, visit our website or schedule a complimentary meet-and-greet.

In Person: https://activehealthdpc.hint.com/booking/appty-6c831290cced6bbb/location/bloc-438d9d96f72d7ba0/date

Virtual: https://activehealthdpc.hint.com/booking/appty-07810daa666b3eda/location/bloc-438d9d96f72d7ba0/date

Warmly,

Dr. Elyse Rosenthal

Active Health DPC

Website: www.activehealthdpc.org

Email: erosenthal@activehealthdpc.org

Phone: (484) 207-5624