how to know your bp is high - #12749
I am kinda worried about this whole blood pressure thing. Like a week ago, I had this really bad headache and felt dizzy, thought maybe I just needed water or food or whatever. But then I started thinking, how to know your bp is high? My mom always checks hers and makes it look so easy, but I have no idea what I'm doing. I borrowed her monitor and it said the reading was like 150/95 or something? That can't be normal, right? I got kinda freaked out and didn’t go see a doc right away. I mean, how to know your bp is high if you don’t even know what is considered high in the first place? I'm only 30, and I thought this was something older folks dealt with! Sometimes I feel like my heart is racing for no reason and my friends say it’s just stress but I’m starting to think maybe how to know your bp is high is also about those weird symptoms? Anyway, I tried Googling stuff but got lost in a world of numbers and jargon. What should I really be looking for? Like, I can’t constantly check if it’s high or not, can I? Just kinda lost here and could use some advice from you all.
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Doctors’ responses
So, to understand if your blood pressure is high, you’ll want to know what the numbers really mean. Blood pressure readings have two numbers: the top one (systolic) and the bottom one (diastolic). A normal reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg. Your reading of 150/95 mmHg is indeed high and medically, it’s classified as stage 1 hypertension. You’re correct to think age isn’t the only factor; stress, diet, weight, and family history can all play a role. At 30, it’s still possible to experience high blood pressure, especially if there are underlying lifestyle or genetic factors. Some common signs of high blood pressure can include headaches, dizziness, and a racing heart, all of which you’ve mentioned. However, many people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms at all, that’s why it’s called the ‘silent killer’. Regular monitoring can be helpful, especially if you’re getting readings like this. It’s useful to check your blood pressure at different times of the day and keep a record, maybe once in the morning and once in the evening for a week. Since you’ve already gotten a high reading, I would recommend visiting your healthcare provider to discuss these numbers. They can advise you better on how to manage or investigate further into what you might need to adjust in your lifestyle or if medication might be necessary. Sometimes making small changes like reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and managing stress can significantly impact blood pressure. But don’t ignore these signs; it’s better to be proactive and get it checked out thoroughly by a professional to ensure your wellbeing and address any underlying issues early.
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