Managing the silent killer…high blood pressure. And the real danger is that it is SILENT! Leaving us with no clue until it erupts. Heart attack, stroke, death…
The Silent Killer-Unknown High Blood Pressure
Most of us soar through our younger years without a care. We are INVINCIBLE! Most of us forget or could care less about taking our blood pressure until we reach 50 or 60 years of age.
But we can be in for a surprise when we discover that our blood pressure reads above 140/100, that silent killer! That’s the boat I was in when I went to my dentist two months ago for some fillings. But first, we should look a bit at the science behind hypertension and how dangerous it is to ignore.
Over 100 million Americans, or half of U.S. adults, have high blood pressure. Which is a leading risk factor for heart disease. It’s a silent killer-meaning there are very few symptoms. So, we don’t know we are suffering from it.
The numbers are alarming. Again, over one hundred million Americans have some sort of high blood pressure. Thirty million Americans have blood pressure readings is between 130 and 139 mm Hg. And the diastolic, or bottom, number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.*
The Silent Killer- Unknown High Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or the silent killer, can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney disease. Particularly among men and people of color.
Who cares? We all need to care. With the staggering numbers only growing each year in the United States, it’s a true wake up call for all us. And since it’s the silent killer, we all need to be aware and on guard to recognize it and face it head on.
Now, what is blood pressure phobia? And how is it different from consistent high blood pressure? For some of us (more than you think), when we go to the doctor, dentist, or hospital, our blood pressure skyrockets.
High Blood Pressure that only occurs at the doctors or dentists office is unique, but not uncommon. It’s different from continuous high blood pressure. Yet, for some (me included), my blood pressure rose every time I went to the doctor or dentist. But, when I took it at home, it was normal or a tad bit high. I needed to get a handle on this for the sake of my health. It’s not possible to get fillings in many states when your blood pressure is high. And I needed some serious dental work. I felt trapped. Helpless. But, there are answers!
The struggle was real. Now what? It was time to take a serious look and make some critical lifestyle changes. It was time to tackle the silent killer.
Now my situation may vary from yours. It’s a simple account of how easy it is to dig deep and find the hard truths… Finding what exactly is going on and changing the things that are in my power to change.**
I immediately went to my doctor and spilled the goods. She knows me and know what Clinical High Blood Pressure (phobia) is. We both decided to look at changing things. This is what my research told me.
*Insight Timer App. Cost $59 year. And worth every penny. Available on Android and IPhone!
*Yoga and Tai Chi- I go to YouTube for these. There are many good instructors there. I love Yoga with Adrienne!
*Breathwork! 6 Breathing Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure
*Blood Pressure Apps-The title of my app is BloodPressure. It’s simple, easy to use, and keep good track of my daily readings. I can also send them to my doctor too! AvaiLable on Android and IPhone.
*Blood Pressure Machines. I have a wrist monitor and a hospital grade arm monitor. Here are the links to similar ones below:
–High Grade Wrist Monitor: https://amzn.to/3Hl0UFZ
–Hospital Grade Arm Monitor: https://amzn.to/45rq5Pl
The low down! I was able to get my blood pressure down quite a bit and still have more work to do. This may be a lifelong plan for me. I don’t want to take pills if I don’t have to. And I’m glad my doctor and I are on the same page.
What happened at the dentist? When you suffer from a “phobia”, no pills lower blood pressure unless taken long term . Trust me, my doctor prescribed them. They did not work. I ended up going to a dentist that hooked me up to an IV with weak tranquilizers. BAM. Problem solved. But I may not be saying that when I get the bill. Stay tuned. LOL…
Next month we’ll chat about kitchen style and classic kitchen cookware, with a few tasty simple recipes. Until then my friends. Stay safe and take your blood pressure daily!
Visit the rest of the blog for the best in home decor, health, recipes, and much more.
*Source: 10 Tips to Lower Blood Pressure Without Medication
**This is not medical advice. Consult your physician immediately if you suspect you suffer from hypertension.
