Should I Be Concerned About My Consistently High Blood Pressure?

It is a common belief that if you are accustomed to reading a certain blood pressure, you may not be worried about it anymore. However, a blood pressure measurement of 165/104 is classified as stage 2 hypertension and poses a significant risk of developing serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Even if you feel fine, high blood pressure often does not have noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Understanding the Risks of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often referred to as the silent killer because it typically does not present obvious symptoms. This makes it crucial to monitor blood pressure regularly and consult a healthcare professional to assess your overall health and explore potential treatment options. These may include lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

Implications of Long-Term Cigarette Smoking

Let's consider a scenario where someone has smoked three packs of unfiltered Camels every day for the past 30 years. While it may be part of their daily routine and they may have adjusted to it over time, they should still be extremely concerned about the long-term health effects. Smoking cigarette packs daily for decades presents significant risks to health, and while these may not be immediately apparent, they can lead to serious consequences.

Unlike the visible signs of damage from smoking, such as coughing and shortness of breath, high blood pressure often remains unnoticeable unless measured with a blood pressure cuff. This is why it is known as the silent killer. Being accustomed to something that is harmful does not diminish its impact on your health.

Actions to Take When Your Blood Pressure is High

While it is understandable to feel concerned and possibly worried about the potential risks, it is also important not to let fear paralyze you. There are steps you can take to work towards reducing your blood pressure and improving your overall health:

Identify Contributors: High blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, smoking, alcohol consumption, drinking, obesity, a high-salt diet, and lack of exercise. Assessing these factors can help you identify areas for improvement. Make Lifestyle Changes: Reducing the intake of cigarettes, alcohol, and high-salt foods, along with increasing physical activity, can significantly lower blood pressure. Consider Medication: For many individuals, medication may be necessary to manage blood pressure effectively. Medications can help decrease the statistical risk of heart problems, stroke, and kidney failure over time.

The goal is to work towards decreasing the statistical risk associated with high blood pressure. While lifestyle changes are a crucial part of the solution, they may not be sufficient for everyone. In such cases, medications can play a vital role in reducing the risk of serious health outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is natural to become accustomed to a certain blood pressure reading, consistently high blood pressure, such as 165/104, warrants significant concern. The long-term risks of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage are substantial, and proper management through lifestyle changes and possibly medication is essential to reduce these risks. Regular monitoring and proactive management are key to maintaining good health.