How High Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Body

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the arteries, which carry blood from the heart to other organs. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

• Systolic Blood Pressure: Measures the pressure when the heart beats.
• Diastolic Blood Pressure: Measures the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

Therefore, measurements come in a fraction form (systolic/diastolic). If your systolic blood pressure measured 120 and your diastolic measured 80, your blood pressure would be read as “120 over 80” or written as “120/80 mmHg.”

What Is Considered High Blood Pressure?

So, what is considered high blood pressure? According to the American Heart Association’s guidelines, as well as many others, a systolic pressure of over 130 and a diastolic reading of over 80 is concerning. Granted, some healthcare practitioners diagnose high blood pressure when it is 140/90 or higher. Generally, normal blood pressure is under 120/80 mmHG.

The Risks of High Blood Pressure

As they say, too much of even a good thing is a bad thing. This rings especially true for blood pressure. You want your heart to pump blood to the many organs in your body, but too much pressure has many risks:

• Damaged Arteries: Healthy arteries are strong and elastic, but the force of high blood pressure can damage the smooth inner lining.
• Aneurysm: Fats and other deposits can collect in the damaged lining of arteries, causing the section to enlarge and form an aneurysm. This bulge can potentially rupture and cause internal bleeding.
• Damaged Heart: High blood pressure can force the heart to work harder as blood struggles to get to its destination. This can cause portions of the heart to thicken, enlarge, or even fail.
• Brain Damage: The brain is arguably the most important organ, and it is especially sensitive to disruption in blood flow. High blood pressure can cause clogging and artery bursts in the brain. This can lead to dementia, strokes, and cognitive impairment.
• Organ Failure: Organs, especially the kidney and eyes, rely on healthy blood flow. High blood pressure can blur vision, create sex problems, and lead to organ failure.

Worried About Your Blood Pressure?

Routine visits to a primary care clinic should calm your nerves as your physician will take your vitals and let you know how your blood pressure is doing. A primary care physician will also help you maintain or even achieve a healthy level. You can even purchase a blood pressure monitor and take measurements off-the-cuff yourself. Residents in Southern Maryland are always welcome to our clinics to share questions and concerns. We are happy to schedule an appointment or accept walk-in appointments.