High Blood Pressure, Silent but Deadly

According to the American Heart Association, one in three adults in the United States have high blood pressure. More than one third of those with high blood pressure, do not even know they have it. This is why it is often referred to as the "silent killer". There are usually no signs or symptoms that you even have high blood pressure until the damage is done. All the while, it quietly destroys your organs. Damage can range from capillary damage of the eyes, kidney failure, stroke, heart failure to heart attack.

This became all to real to me two years ago. I went to see my doctor for some birth control pills. I walked out with blood pressure pills instead. I was twenty-nine years old. Never in a million years would I have suspected that something like this could be going on within myself. The doctor told me I was a walking time bomb. He said I was a heart attack waiting to happen. My blood pressure at the initial part of my doctors visit was 212/157. A normal blood pressure is 120/80. I felt fine and perfectly healthy. I was sure this was a simple mistake. I have no family history of high blood pressure and I was confident that I was too young. I was wrong.

Needless to say, I was kept for observation. They monitored my blood pressure for several hours. It stayed steadily high even though I was remaining still, quiet and relaxed. They even performed a drug test on me to ensure I was not on any street drugs. Of course, they found none. After several more tests, I was sent home with some water pills and a sodium restrictive diet.. I went back for a check up a few weeks later and my blood pressure was still off the charts. They proceeded to prescribe me blood pressure pills. These first set of pills sent me into a deep depression. Thus, my prescription was changed.

I am happy to report that my blood pressure has remained under control for the past two years. I take my prescription daily and see my doctor often. I also monitor my blood pressure on my own with a digital cuff you can purchase from your local drugstore or pharmacy. This by no means replaces the observation of a doctor. But it serves as a good indicator as to how I am doing in between my doctor visits. It is a scary thought to think that had I not gone for some birth control pills, I may not be here today. I am told that my heart is good, it just wants to work harder than it needs too. As long as I take care of myself and keep my blood pressure in check, I will be fine.

When is the last time you visited your doctor? High blood pressure does not discriminate between age, gender, or race. I encourage you to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Not everyone that is found to have high blood pressure will need medication. For some, a simple change in eating habits or exercise is all that is needed. Love your heart and take care of it. Your heart will love you for it.