Understanding the Importance of Blood Pressure Monitoring
As we age, keeping track of our blood pressure becomes essential for maintaining overall health. High blood pressure, or hypertension, poses serious risks to the heart and blood vessels, often without noticeable symptoms—earning it the nickname "the silent killer." On the other hand, extremely low blood pressure, or hypotension, can reduce blood flow to vital organs, leading to dangerous consequences. At Tupelo Medical Group, we provide comprehensive services to help you monitor and manage your blood pressure, empowering you to take control of your health.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps. It is a critical indicator of cardiovascular health, reflecting the workload on the heart and the condition of the blood vessels. Regular monitoring is crucial, as both high and low blood pressure can have significant health implications.
How is Blood Pressure Measured?
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and presented as two values: systolic and diastolic pressure.
Systolic Pressure: The top number in a blood pressure reading, indicating the pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
Diastolic Pressure: The lower number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Hypertension: The Risks of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of several serious health conditions. If your systolic pressure exceeds 140 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is over 90 mmHg, your blood pressure will be considered high. Once readings reach and exceed these levels, medical intervention becomes crucial to prevent long-term damage.
This blood pressure chart from heart.org showcases normal, elevated, and high blood pressure levels.
The Impact of High Blood Pressure on Your Health:
Heart Disease: Hypertension forces the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart failure by causing the heart muscle to weaken over time.
Stroke: Elevated blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the brain, making strokes more likely.
Kidney Damage: High blood pressure can impair kidney function by damaging the blood vessels, reducing the kidneys’ ability to regulate fluids and blood pressure effectively.
Vision Problems: Hypertension affects the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision issues and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss.
Aneurysms: High blood pressure weakens the walls of blood vessels, increasing the risk of aneurysms, which can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Pregnancy Complications: Hypertension during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mother and baby, necessitating close monitoring and intervention.
Hypotension: The Risks of Low Blood Pressure
While low blood pressure, or hypotension, is often harmless and may be natural for some individuals, it can be dangerous in certain cases. If blood pressure drops too low, the body’s vital organs may not receive enough oxygenated blood, leading to potential complications.
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure Include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting
Blurred vision
Confusion
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Chronic low blood pressure can signal underlying health issues, making regular check-ups essential to ensure your blood pressure remains within a safe range.
Taking Control of Your Blood Pressure
At Tupelo Medical Group, we are committed to helping you maintain optimal blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to keep your numbers in check, our team of experienced healthcare professionals is here to provide you with the care and guidance you need.
If you’ve noticed any symptoms of high or low blood pressure, or if you’re curious about your current readings, don’t wait. Contact us today or schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help you monitor and manage your blood pressure. Staying informed about your health is the first step toward prevention and long-term wellness.