The silent killer of blood pressure is when your blood pressure is high.
High blood pressure also known as hypotension is called the "silent killer" because high blood pressure silently damages the body for many years without causing any noticeable symptoms.
Over time, the uncontrolled high blood pressure greatly increases your risk of developing life threatening medical emergency conditions like heart failure, strokes and heart attacks.
Your blood pressure is measured by 2 numbers, like 120 over 80.
The top number in blood pressure readings is the Systolic number, which is the blood pressure in your arteries when your heart is beating.
And the bottom number in blood pressure readings is the Diastolic number, which is the blood pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Normal blood pressure readings is less than 120 / 80 mmHg although 120 / 80 mmHg can be normal for some people.
Elevated blood pressure readings is 120-129 / Less than 80 mmHg.
Stage 1 Hypertension is when you have a blood pressure reading of 130-139 / 80-89 mmHg.
Stage 2 Hypertension is when you have a blood pressure reading of 140 or higher / 90 or higher mmHg.
And dangerously high blood pressure, which is also known as a hypertensive crisis and medical emergency is a blood pressure reading that is higher than 180 / 120 mmHg, where you should seek medical help immediately.
It's crucial to get your blood pressure checked or check your blood pressure even at home regularly as symptoms rarely appear before a major cardiovascular event.
Untreated blood pressure creates and places excessive mechanical strain on the arteries and leads to atherosclerosis, which is narrowing and stiffening of the arteries, which elevates your risk of heart attacks and heart failure, strokes and brain aneurysms, kidney disease and kidney failure and vision loss and dementia.
You can help to manage your blood pressure and lower your blood pressure by reducing your sodium intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol and tobacco.
Smoking also increases your blood pressure, so you should stop smoking for your overall health as well.
You can also practice deep breathing, meditation and get consistent sleep and take any prescribed blood pressure medication, especially for Stage 2 hypertension.