What are the first signs of high blood pressure?

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

Regular Monitoring:

• Have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors for hypertension, such as a family history of high blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, or other health conditions.

Visit a Health Professional:

• Schedule regular appointments with a healthcare provider to have your blood pressure measured. This is especially important if you have risk factors for high blood pressure.

Know Your Numbers:

• Understand what your blood pressure readings indicate. Blood pressure is classified as follows:
• Normal: Systolic < 120 mm Hg and Diastolic < 80 mm Hg
• Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mm Hg and Diastolic < 80 mm Hg
• Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130-139 mm Hg or Diastolic 80-89 mm Hg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic ≥ 140 mm Hg or Diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring:

• Consider using a home blood pressure monitor to track your readings over time. This can provide additional insights and help you notice any changes.

Symptom Awareness:

• Although high blood pressure typically has no noticeable symptoms, very high blood pressure (a hypertensive crisis) can cause severe headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and chest pain. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Risk Factors:

• Be aware of risk factors for high blood pressure, such as age, family history, obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions.

It’s important to remember that a single high reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have hypertension. Blood pressure can vary, and a diagnosis of hypertension is usually based on multiple readings taken at different times.