Not only does smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raise blood pressure temporarily, but the chemicals in tobacco can damage the lining of the artery walls. This can cause your arteries to narrow and increase your risk of heart disease. Secondhand smoke can also increase your risk of heart disease.
You can’t see high blood pressure, also called hypertension. High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, but routine checks of your blood pressure will help detect rising levels. If your blood pressure is high at two or more checkups, your doctor may also ask you to measure your blood pressure at home. When your blood pressure readings are stage 1 or stage 2, your provider will ask you to make lifestyle changes and take blood pressure medication. Keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your blood pressure, make the necessary changes to your medications, and help manage your risk of cardiovascular disease. Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet that is low in salt, fat and cholesterol, and high in fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you have any questions about your health, including a medical condition, you should always seek medical attention from a doctor or other qualified health care provider. The RHS C-19 tool is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, medical advice or treatment. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels.
According to recent studies, the risk of death from ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every systolic increase of 20 mm Hg or diastolic increase of 10 mm Hg in people aged 40 to 89 years. When the measurements consistently range from 120 to 129 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic, this is called elevated. People with elevated blood pressure have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and should take steps to control it, including following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. A single higher blood pressure reading doesn’t always mean you have a problem.
Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure and aneurysm. Controlling blood pressure is vital for maintaining health and reducing the risk of these dangerous conditions. To support governments in strengthening the prevention and hoge bloeddruk verlagen control of cardiovascular disease, the WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) launched the Global Hearts Initiative in September 2016, which includes the HEARTS technical package. Sometimes lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control high blood pressure.
It’s important to check your blood pressure regularly to see if it’s within the normal range. If you have high blood pressure, continue to take the medicines prescribed by your healthcare provider. Don’t stop taking them or start taking them without talking to your provider. Blood pressure medication will not continue to work after you stop taking it.