High blood pressure occurs when the pressure of the blood in your blood vessels is higher than it should be. Any reading lower than ¹²⁰⁄₈₀ mmHg is considered a normal reading, while anything ¹⁴⁰⁄₉₀ mmHg and higher is considered high blood pressure.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah wants to share some insight about high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension.

Who Gets High Blood Pressure?

Anyone can have high blood pressure. While older men are most commonly affected, those of both genders and even children can be affected.

High Blood Pressure Risk Factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Too much salt (sodium) in your diet
• Too little potassium in your diet
• Too little vitamin D in your diet
• Not being physically active
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Stress
• Certain chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease and sleep apnea

How Can I Prevent High Blood Pressure?

Fortunately, by making certain lifestyle changes, you can help lower your risk of high blood pressure. Follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get a good night’s sleep, manage your stress levels and decrease your sodium intake to lower your risk of developing high blood pressure.

You’ll also want to be sure to check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you experience any symptoms of the condition.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Flushing
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Vision problems

Do you think you might have high blood pressure? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah for a blood pressure reading today.