Blood pressure can have effects on many areas of the body. Depending on whether your blood pressure is high or low, it can be the precursor to many different symptoms or conditions. While high blood pressure does correlate with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, there are other factors that can play a role. Cholesterol and genetics can increase blood pressure, even in the most active individuals. Everyone should take blood pressure seriously when having it measured at the doctors office. If you do have an elevated blood pressure (Above 120/80), consult with your primary care physician. The top number is the “systolic value” and the bottom number is the “diastolic value”. The current guidelines for blood pressure show a normal blood pressure to be under 120 systolic and under 80 diastolic. When systolic gets above 130 its considered “High Blood Pressure” and puts you in stage 1 hypertension. The 120-129 systolic range is just considered elevated. Stage 2 hypertension is considered to be above 140 systolic. If your blood pressure ever reaches a systolic above 180 and diastolic 120 it is an emergency situation and you should seek care immediately. The higher your blood pressure is the higher risk you are of stroke, heart attack, vision loss, kidney disease, heart failure, and sexual dysfunction. Remember double vision, trouble swallowing, dizziness, trouble talking, numbness in upper extremities, and randomly passing out while walking. If you notice someone experiencing 3 or more of these symptoms help them seek medical attention quickly as these could be a precursor to a stroke coming later in the day. Now whether your BP is just elevated or you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you are not stuck in those categories.
While blood pressure medication is very much necessary in certain situations, it is becoming more and more agreed upon in the health care industry that the healthiest, and longer lasting way, of lowering blood pressure is through lifestyle changes including a regulated diet and exercise. Eating more leafy greens and vegetables while progressing through an exercise routine can decrease blood pressure while increasing the efficiency and function of other internal processes.
If you want more information about your own blood pressure, or to consult about taking steps to a more healthy, active, and energized lifestyle schedule an appointment with us today. At Creekside Chiropractic, we will customize a workout program specifically for you that includes Cardiometabolic testing to make sure we get you the adequate workout and diet regiment that elevates your health to another level.
If you want some quick tips for healthy living, healthy recipes, or more information on high blood pressure risks click here, American Heart Association.
