Managing High Blood Pressure and Improving Heart Health

High blood pressure is a common condition that often has no warning signs. Over time, it can affect your heart and overall health.

The good news is that there are simple steps to help you manage it. With healthy habits and support from AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, you can manage your blood pressure and protect your long-term health.

Understanding high blood pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, happens when blood moves through your arteries with more force than it should. When blood pressure stays high over time, it can damage your heart, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys.

Understanding and managing high blood pressure starts with knowing your numbers. 

What are blood pressure numbers?

Blood pressure numbers show how hard your blood is pushing against the walls of your arteries. There are two numbers in a blood pressure reading:

• Top number (systolic) – This shows the pressure when your heart beats.
• Bottom number (diastolic) – This shows the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

Since high blood pressure often does not cause symptoms, the best way to know your numbers is to check them regularly.

Regular visits with a primary care provider are one of the best ways to catch high blood pressure early. You can also check your numbers by using an automated monitor at your local pharmacy or purchasing a blood pressure monitor to use at home.

As your numbers rise, your chance of health problems may increase:

*If your blood pressure is very high or you have symptoms like chest pain, a severe headache, or trouble speaking, seek emergency care right away.

Risk factors for high blood pressure

Some things can make high blood pressure more likely. You cannot change all of them, but knowing your risk can help you take steps to stay healthy.

Risk factors include:

How to reduce high blood pressure

Even if you have one or more risk factors for high blood pressure, small changes can make a big difference in managing it.

Start with simple habits you can stick with:

• Stay active: Move your body most days of the week. This can be as simple as a 15 to 30-minute walk, light yard work, or seated exercises with resistance bands or small weights.
• Eat well: Choose fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. Limit salt and processed foods.
• Drink less alcohol: Too much can raise blood pressure. Limit daily intake to one drink for women and two drinks for men.
• Avoid tobacco: Smoking or nicotine raises blood pressure right away.
• Sleep well: Adults should aim to get at least seven hours of quality sleep per night.
• Manage stress: Take breaks, move your body, or practice deep breathing.

Blood pressure care at AHN

Healthy habits can help you to lower your blood pressure naturally, but medical care also plays a key role in managing hypertension.

Healthcare providers will work with you to monitor your health and create a care plan that fits your needs. This may include:

• Testing like imaging and lab work to look for early signs of strain or damage to your heart, blood vessels, or kidneys.
• Medicine, if needed, to help control high blood pressure.
• Treatment for related issues like excess weight and sleep disorders.
• Support services like nutrition, exercise therapy, and wellness programs.

Having access to expert care, close to home, makes it easier to follow your care plan and manage your blood pressure with confidence.

If lifestyle changes and medication are not enough, the cardiology team at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital offers advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures such as renal denervation.

Take the next step for your heart health

Managing high blood pressure takes time, but small, steady changes can make a real difference. By staying active, eating well, and keeping up with regular checkups, you can continue working toward a healthier blood pressure and better overall health.

If you have concerns about your blood pressure or notice changes in your health, do not wait to seek treatment. AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital is here for you 24/7 should you need emergency care.