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what is elevated blood pressure
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #14919
45 days ago
124

what is elevated blood pressure - #14919

Advait

I am really worried about my health right now! For the past few weeks, I been feeling like crap, like always tired, and I’ve had these terrible headaches. I finally went to the doc, and they said that my readings showed elevated blood pressure. What does elevated blood pressure even mean? I mean, they told me to relax and not stress out, but it feels impossible! I never thought I’d be that person dealing with this. The nurse mentioned something about how it could lead to more serious issues if left unchecked, and now I'm freaking out. I don’t understand how my blood pressure could be elevated, I thought I was pretty healthy before this! I mean, I do have some family history of heart issues, but I never thought it would catch up to me this soon. Can elevated blood pressure just happen out of nowhere? Like, is it my diet or stress? I’ve heard about lifestyle changes, but where do I even start? If I just ignore it, what could happen? I feel like I need to get a grip on this before it spirals out of control. Should I be looking for any specific symptoms or signs? What should I do next?? Please help!

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Elevated blood pressure, often called prehypertension, indicates that your blood pressure readings are higher than normal but not yet in the high blood pressure (hypertension) category. It’s a warning sign that you’re at risk of progressing to hypertension, which can increase the chances of heart disease and stroke over time. It’s important to address this early to prevent potential complications. Blood pressure can indeed be influenced by several factors, including genetics, diet, physical activity, stress, and body weight. Given your family history, you may be more predisposed to develop it than someone else. Diet and stress are common contributors, and reducing salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, and incorporating regular physical activity can really make a difference. Try starting with 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. As for stress, incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation could be beneficial. Ignoring elevated blood pressure is not advisable; it can lead to more severe health issues, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, among others. You should also pay attention to additional symptoms such as severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, vision problems, or shortness of breath, as these could indicate complications. It’s vital to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your blood pressure and discuss any lifestyle modifications or medications necessary. Making these changes can be overwhelming, so set realistic goals and take it step by step. If things feel unmanageable or you notice any concerning symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

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