The chest pain, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and high blood pressure that typically accompany a heart attack usually does not happen until the blood pressure is far too high. In other words, if the blood pressure were in the normal range for most people, they would typically not have a heart attack.
The greatest benefits from going within the normal range can be seen by avoiding developing health complications over time. The first area where healthy blood pressure can have a great impact on the brain. The brain is about 60% made up of blood vessels. High blood pressure puts a lot of strain on the brain, leading to many cognitive problems, including stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's. Another area is on the eyes. High blood pressure can lead to retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and optic nerve problems.
Signs of High Blood Pressure
A person can have high blood pressure and not know it. Here are the signs of high blood pressure one could probably feel if they are showing any signs.
- Headaches - A headache is the primary symptom of high blood pressure. If one has been unusually getting headaches or headaches have been unusually strong, one should have some blood work done to check their blood pressure. One can also go to their healthcare provider to see if they need blood pressure medicine.
- Dizziness - Dizziness can be a common side effect of high blood pressure. If one feels dizzy, having been feeling unusually dizzy, or dizziness is extreme, one should have some blood work done to check their blood pressure.
- Blurry vision - If people are experiencing blurred vision, especially when using their computer or driving, they should have blood pressure tests to see if they need medication.
- Cold hands and feet - Cold hands and feet are a symptom that can indicate high blood pressure. When one has been unusually cold or having cold hands or feet, one should have some blood work done to check their blood pressure.
Signs of Low Blood Pressure
A person may not feel as if they have low blood pressure because everyone's blood pressure is always changing. But if one has any of these symptoms, they should see their doctor and possibly get a blood test and start taking medication. Signs include:
- Tiredness - One can be tired all the time and not enjoy life as much as they should if they have low blood pressure. It can also be a sign of other problems.
- Dizziness - One who is dizzy may have low blood pressure or another problem that needs treatment.
- Feeling faint - A person may feel more tired than usual and think they are getting weak if they have low blood pressure.
- Dry skin - This often happens when people have low blood pressure. One doesn't want to apply lotion to their skin because it feels scorched. The areas that are normally covered with oil are usually arid.
- Cold hands - When one is very tired or has low blood pressure, they are likely to have cold hands.
Tips to Stabilize Blood Pressure
Regular blood pressure check ups can help a person learn how to control their blood pressure. Making small adjustments in lifestyle could be enough to improve their blood pressure without medication. Here are some tips to help a person reduce their blood pressure.
- Get More Sleep - One can sleep much better if they have higher quality sleep. Getting fewer hours of sleep than they normally do can also raise their blood pressure.
- Learn How to Relax - Learning how to relax is important for everyone, especially those with high blood pressure. It’s easier said than done, but makes a difference.
- Keep Moving - One could get more exercise if they have high blood pressure. One who exercises regularly also has a healthier body. Every little bit of a healthy body helps a person's heart and blood vessels.
- Eat a Healthy Diet - A person should eat a healthy diet. If they don't, it could lead to high blood pressure. A diet too low in potassium can also lead to high blood pressure.
Lower Sodium - One should also try limiting salt intake. Sodium is in many foods, but one should try to avoid taking any in excess. If they find that they are doing fine without salt, they don't need to worry about lowering their sodium intake.
