Congenital defects, or heart defects you’re born with, thyroid or kidney problems, drug and alcohol abuse, and certain medications can lead to high blood pressure.

Do You Have Hypertension?

 

Hypertension does not come with specific, identifiable symptoms like other conditions. Pay attention to your blood pressure readings especially if you are 18-39 and have a history of high blood pressure, or you are above the age of 40. A blood pressure reading includes two numbers: the top number is the systolic pressure, which measures the pressure when your heart beats and the bottom (or second) number is the diastolic pressure and measures the pressure between heartbeats. Blood pressure does vary throughout the day, and may change depending on size of the inflatable arm cuff, the difference between arms, short-term stress, and age.

 

• Normal blood pressure is below 120 systolic/80 diastolic mm Hg.
• Prehypertension occurs when the systolic pressure is between 120-139 mm Hg, or the diastolic pressure is between 80-89 mm Hg.
• Stage 1 Hypertension is when the systolic pressure is between 140-159 mm Hg, or the diastolic pressure is between 90-99 mm Hg.
• Stage 2 Hypertension is when the systolic pressure of 160 or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 100 or higher.

 

Typically hypertension affects African-Americans more commonly than any other race.Those who are overweight or obese, inactive, have high stress, vitamin deficiencies, or frequent drug and alcohol users are more susceptible to developing high blood pressure.

What Should You Do?

You can improve your lifestyle by adhering to a healthy diet, reducing your salt intake, exercising regularly, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, managing your stress, and if needed, taking prescription medication if suggested by your doctor. Research more about what hypertension is and what you can do by visiting the American Heart Association’s website.

 

Regardless of how informed you are, we know unexpected health situations occur. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Visit https://nec24.com/ to find the Neighbors Emergency Center nearest you!

teaspoons of added sugar per day for women and no more than ten teaspoons per day for men. The Center for Disease Control reports that the average American eats between 13 and 20 teaspoons a day. Here are some good reasons to get your sugar intake under control.

Lower Blood Pressure

If you eat a lot of added sugar, there is a good chance that you are at more risk for obesity. Gaining weight can cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes your heart and arteries to work harder, which can cause overall damage to your circulatory system. This can eventually lead to stroke, heart disease, heart attacks, artery disease and kidney damage.

for type 2 diabetes by 26%. Excess sugar intake causes high insulin resistance, which means fructose, glucose, and other forms of sugar cannot get into your cells and get trapped in your bloodstream. High blood sugar can lead to pre-diabetes and possibly the threat of actual diabetes.

Also, studies show that added sugars in your diet decrease the activity of the cells that regulate energy and metabolism. These cells are called orexin cells, and when they get turned off, you become sluggish and sleepy. Most of us are too busy to be slowed down, so it’s best to eat foods that give you sustained energy like whole grains and complex carbohydrates.

By reducing your sugar intake, you can increase your general health, energy levels, and possibly avoid serious diseases. You can still eat foods with natural sugars like fruits and vegetables, but it’s best to cut out those foods full of processed sugars. Your body will thank you!

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.