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High Blood Pressure

Formally termed "hypertension," high blood pressure can be a symptom of heart disease (e.g. atherosclerosis) and also a cause (e.g. hypertensive heart disease).

Signs of high blood pressure

Hypertension is nicknamed "the silent killer" because its effects are not easily discernable before it gives rise to more serious conditions.  Signs such as headaches, dizziness, and nosebleeds tend not to arise from high blood pressure until it has reached a critical degree.

However, hypertension can be detected easily with a simple blood pressure cuff (like the one your doctor wraps about your bicep).

Measuring your blood pressure

You can measure your own blood pressure for free at many pharmacies which make the use of a blood pressure cuff available to visitors.  The device will squeeze your arm tight for a couple of minutes and give you two numbers for results.

The higher number (systolic) represents your blood pressure when the heart contracts.  The lower number (diastolic) represents your blood pressure between heart beats.  We speak of blood pressure in terms of "systolic over diastolic," e.g. 120/80.

Understanding the results

severity systolic (mm Hg) diastolic (mm Hg)
Normal blood pressure 90–119 60–79
Pre-hypertension 120–139 80–89
Stage 1 140–159 90–99
Stage 2 160+ 100+

Responding to high blood pressure

Except when it results directly from another medical condition, high blood pressure tends to come on gradually, over the course of many years.  In fact, almost everyone who lives very long develops it.

Controlling blood pressure

Treatments for high blood pressure include diet, exercise, medications, and even alternative medicine.

Lifestyle changes to improve blood pressure include:

  • Limiting salt intake
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Limiting fat and saturated fat
  • Avoiding tobacco
  • Achieving a healthy weight
  • Exercise
  • Stress management
  • A diet based on whole grains, fruits, & vegetables

Shop for life insurance

Wholesale Insurance specializes in placing difficult cases at affordable prices.  If high blood pressure has put affordable life insurance beyond your reach, call now and learn how we can help: (800) 823-4852.

The contents of this page are not intended to replace or substitute for the medical advice of a medical professional.

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