9 Facts About Blood Pressure You May Not Know

Did you know that half of the people who have high blood pressure don’t know it? There’s a reason why high blood pressure (hypertension) is called “the silent killer.” Most people have no symptoms at all — until they do — suddenly and with dangerous consequences. Could you be one of them?

Research shows that only 10% of all adults and 22% of people with hypertension say that blood pressure management is their top health priority. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world. Everyone needs to know their numbers.

Let’s talk about some other important facts you may not know about blood pressure. ­

1. Many people don’t know where their blood pressure numbers run or don’t know what they mean.

When hypertensive patients are asked if they remember their blood pressure reading from the last time it was checked, only 27% remembered. Others remembered it, but they didn’t know if it was high. If this is you, the chart below can help you understand if your blood pressure puts you at greater risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Even people who have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure need to monitor their blood pressure and know their numbers. The sooner hypertension is diagnosed and treated, the lower the risks, both now and later in life.

*Hypertensive crisis is an emergency. Seek medical attention immediately.

2. Many people don’t understand the consequences of high blood pressure.

Only about one-half of American adults with hypertension worry about having a heart attack or stroke. For the other half, especially in otherwise healthy people, many don’t realize that hypertension makes the heart work harder, causing an artery to clog and eventually burst. In 2001, the Framingham Study found that once a person reaches age 55, their stroke risk doubles every ten years.

3. For many people, a healthy lifestyle is not enough to control blood pressure.

Most Americans know that healthy habits are the best way to control blood pressure. But doctors recommend lifestyle changes alone to only 19% of their patients. They prescribe both lifestyle changes and medication for the other 81%. Even among those using lifestyle changes plus medication, only 10% have their blood pressure under control. These numbers show that many Americans are at high risk for heart attack or stroke.

4. If you’re monitoring your blood pressure at home (and you should be!), you may be doing it wrong.

Proper positioning is essential for getting accurate BP readings, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Incorrect positioning can result in artificially high readings. Follow the seven tips in the graphic below to be sure that your blood pressure readings are accurate.

Proper Positioning for Accurate BP Readings

Source: American Heart Association

5. Different providers may have different guidelines and treatment plans for high blood pressure.

In 2018, AHA and the American College of Cardiology changed the guidelines for hypertension. Under the old standards, a blood pressure reading of 140/90 was called hypertension. The new guidelines adjusted that reading downward to 130/80 and added a new category — hypertension is now divided into stage 1 and stage 2. (The chart above shows the current guidelines.) Some providers, however, have not made the change to the new model yet. If you get conflicting or confusing information from two different sources, ask your primary provider what’s appropriate in your situation.

6. The best diets for hypertension have a little meat protein.

A diet study published in July 2020 had a surprising conclusion: a diet with some animal protein has the best outcomes in lowering blood pressure. The DASH diet continues to be voted the most heart-healthy. A vegan diet with no animal protein (such as milk or eggs) had the least effect on blood pressure of the seven diets investigated. “That’s not surprising, since a vegan diet lacks important nutrients,” said lead author, Francesco Cappuccio, MD. “A little meat is actually important. . . . Just try to transition away from red meat, eat more plants, and go easy on the salt.”

7. Sunshine may lower blood pressure.

A study published in February 2020 with 342,000 patients at nearly 2,200 clinics over three years, showed that spending time in the sun can lower blood pressure. The difference was small but significant, according to the study’s lead author, Dr. Richard Weller. “But a 3-millimeter systolic fall in blood pressure reduces cardiovascular events by about 10%. And you know, that’s big.” AHA warns, however, to be sure to follow the American Academy of Dermatology Association guidelines for skin protection.

8. Hypertension may be a predictor of dementia.

Several long-term research studies have found that there is a connection between high blood pressure and dementia. Interestingly, a Japanese study showed that hypertension in midlife (rather than late life) was more likely to predict vascular dementia. A 2018 study concluded that people with hypertension were more likely to have the tangles in the brain that are markers for Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Women and African Americans are at particular risk for hypertension.

Hypertensive women are at greater risk of pregnancy and birth complications — for mother and baby — than those who are not. Also, some forms of birth control can increase a woman’s risk of hypertension. Women with high blood pressure should see their providers about controlling it before becoming pregnant.

African Americans have higher rates of hypertension than any other ethnic group and are more likely to need hospitalization for high blood pressure. The reason may be that African Americans have higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and stroke, according to the CDC.

There are things you can do now to control your risk.

· Eat a heart-healthy diet with some animal protein.

· Prioritize exercise, at least 30 minutes per day.

· Avoid smoking and alcohol.

· Maintain a healthy weight.

· Monitor your blood pressure and see your doctor for regular checks.

· If your doctor prescribes medication, take it as directed.

· Remember that it’s always a good idea to add a little sunshine to your day. 😊

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