Every month, I make a point to check my blood pressure. It's a simple, quick routine that could have a huge impact on my future health. As I approach my 30s, while still young, I want to be proactive about staying healthy for the long haul.Unfortunately, many people take their health for granted, especially something seemingly innocuous like blood pressure.But here's the thing: knowing your numbers is crucial for preventing a silent killer – hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. Normal blood pressure falls within a range. Ideally, you want your readings to be less than 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The first number, systolic pressure, indicates the pressure when your heart beats. The second number, diastolic pressure, reflects the pressure between heartbeats. When your readings consistently creep above these ranges, that's hypertension.
The scary part? High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You could be walking around with a ticking time bomb,putting undue stress on your heart, kidneys, and brain. Left untreated, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, and even vision loss. The good news is that hypertension is manageable. For both men and women, high blood pressure can cause damage to the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. In men, it can also lead to erectile dysfunction. In women, it can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Taking control of your health starts with awareness. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take. Moderation is key!Reducing your sodium intake is a great first step. Processed foods, fast food, and restaurant meals are often loaded with sodium. Embrace fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your body happy. Additionally, consider a home blood pressure monitor. There are affordable options available, and many even have apps to track your readings over time.Taking a photo of your blood pressure readings, like I do, is a quick way to keep a record and show your doctor any drastic changes.
Remember, you are your own health advocate. Knowing your blood pressure empowers you to take charge of your well-being. If you have an HSA or FSA account, consider using it to purchase a monitor. Even a small investment can have a big impact on your future health. Don't wait for a wake-up call – take control of your health today, one blood pressure reading at a time.
