High Blood Pressure Signs and Symptoms - What to Look For

What are common high blood pressure signs and symptoms? Here you will find a helpful resources for determining whether you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

How Will I Know If I Have Hypertension?

Unfortunately, most people with hypertension have no obvious signs or symptoms, even when their blood pressure is high. As part of your annual check-up with your doctor, a high blood pressure measurement is taken, so it is critical that you keep up with your annual visits.

Occasionally, there are symptoms that occur if your blood pressure is at dangerously high levels, and these include: dull headaches, dizzy spells, or nosebleeds.

If you are concerned that you might have hypertension, you can visit your doctor, seek out free screenings in your local area, or go to one of many drugstores that have machines to measure your blood pressure. A word of caution about these machines is that you can often get inaccurate readings because they are not frequently calibrated.

What Can I Do To Prevent Hypertension?

Many doctors will prescribe medication to lower blood pressure, but there are things you can do as well. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent hypertension from happening. Even if you already have hypertension, lifestyle changes can make the difference between needing medication and not having to take it. Never stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor first.

What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make?

The best way to protect yourself from hypertension is by incorporating a healthy diet into your life, maintaining a healthy weight, adopting an exercise routine and to watch your salt and sodium intake.

It is also strongly advised that you quit smoking and limit your alcohol intake as well.

Which Diet And Fitness Program Is Best?

Choose a diet program that encourages well-balanced meals, portion control, exercise and adequate water intake. There are many great diet plans out there, so select one that fits best into your schedule and routine. The best regimen is one that is not only balanced, but one that you can stick to. The easier it is to follow, the more likely you will maintain it for the long-term. When you put fitness back into focus, you will live a healthier and more rewarding life!