Signs of High Blood Pressure can be Difficult to Detect

There is a very good reason why high blood pressure is known as the "silent killer". In many cases, there are no signs of high blood pressure until a heart attack or stroke occurs in the patient. Because the signs of high blood pressure are often difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to detect, it is absolutely essential that everyone receives a blood pressure screening at least annually. If a blood pressure reading comes back on the high side, it is very important for a patient and doctor to work together for close monitoring and efficient treatment if it becomes necessary. The good news is that while there are few visible signs of high blood pressure, by detecting and treating it through regular monitoring, you can go far in lowering your pressure and returning to a healthier way of life.

While signs of high blood pressure are difficult to spot at times, the risks involved with this condition are quite present. Since high blood pressure is the result of the blood placing additional pressure on the blood vessels throughout the body, these blood vessels can become strained and damaged to the point that the risk of other conditions like heart attack and stroke are greatly increased. One of the reasons that the signs of high blood pressure are difficult to spot is the fact that this damage and strain will take place over a period of time and the unfortunate results may not surface for a number of years. By the time that you begin to see the problem signs with your high blood pressure, much of the damage may already have been done.

Regular Monitoring is the Key in Good Cardiovascular Health

Since the signs of high blood pressure are nearly impossible to detect, regular blood pressure screenings are the key to good cardiovascular health. For most people, a yearly check will be sufficient, unless something unusual shows up in that reading. An average number for blood pressure is 120/80. If your numbers are consistently close to this mark, then you do not have high blood pressure currently. However, those numbers can change at any time, which is why it is so crucial to continue to have those annual blood pressure screenings. If your top number rises above 140 and the lower number goes up to 90 or above, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Even if you know that your pressure is high, there are usually no signs of high blood pressure to let you know whether your numbers continue to be elevated or go down through the use of treatment or medication. For this reason, it is vital to do regular blood pressure checks at home to ensure that your pressure remains under control.