Our hearts do their job without being asked, supporting our whole body, and often get taken for granted. (And some of us can relate.) So how can you help your heart help you? Get to know your heart and protect it from high blood pressure, sometimes called hypertension, with SFCHC.
We can’t talk about heart health without discussing blood pressure. Blood pressure is how hard your blood is pushed against the walls of your arteries. This is affected by two things:
A blood pressure reading includes two numbers, close to 120/80 at a normal level. The first number is how hard your heart pushes when it contracts, pumping blood to your body. The second number is the force your heart exerts when it’s resting in between pumps. Two sounds used to mimic a heartbeat – “bum, bum” – two numbers.
A healthy heart pumps the blood your body needs without getting overworked. If your blood pressure is higher than normal, it means your heart is working harder than it should. A blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Because arteries run literally throughout your body, high blood pressure can damage any of the organs they support. There’s a long list of possible complications from high blood pressure:
Yes, high blood pressure can even impact the blood flow to your brain.
Blood pressure usually increases because arteries are unhealthy or damaged. One cause for this is primary hypertension. Over many years, fat and cholesterol slowly build up into plaque on artery walls. The arteries get narrower, and your heart must work harder to get the same amount of blood through.
Secondary hypertension begins more suddenly and causes higher blood pressure than primary. Most of the underlying causes weaken or narrow the arteries:
Even people who don’t have any of these conditions may still be at greater risk. Any of these factors can make someone more likely to develop high blood pressure:
High blood pressure rarely comes with any noticeable symptoms. Sometimes high blood pressure causes headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath, but it’s usually after blood pressure has reached a dangerous level. This is why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked every two years starting at age 18. After age 40, it should be checked annually (from age 18 if you have any of the risk factors). SFCHC often hosts events offering free blood pressure screenings. These and regular checkups, both from care providers, ensure your blood pressure gets measured correctly.
There are several things you can do to lower high blood pressure or prevent it. You probably already know them by heart:
The providers at SFCHC can suggest healthy meals you’ll love and work with you to find physical activity that fits your life. Our counselors can even help you stop an unhealthy habit and find self-care methods to get you through your day.
If your blood pressure remains high, there are medications that can help. Your provider may prescribe something to remove sodium and water, relax blood vessels and muscles, or slow your heart rate. These medications are often used in combination.
SFCHC accepts many types of health insurance or offers a sliding fee scale based on household size and income. SFCHC provides healthcare to anyone and everyone who needs it – with all our heart.
Call us today at 818-963-5690 to make an appointment.
This article has been reviewed by the senior medical physicians on the SFCHC team.
