When you visit the doctor, chances are the nurse checks your blood pressure. They put the cuff around your upper arm, place a stethoscope near your elbow, and pump air into the cuff. Simple enough, right? But this routine process can mean a lot more if you have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.
Hypertension is a widespread issue, affecting over 100 million adults in the U.S. If untreated, it can lead to serious health conditions. Dr. Brian Henry, a cardiologist with Banner Health, explains why elevated blood pressure is especially concerning for men.
### Understanding Hypertension in Men
Blood pressure measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as it circulates through your body. It’s written as two numbers: the first (or top) number, called systolic pressure, measures pressure when your heart beats, while the second (or bottom) number, called diastolic pressure, measures pressure between beats.
A healthy blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mm Hg. If it rises above 130/80, you’re classified as having stage 1 hypertension. When it hits 140/90 or higher, that’s stage 2 hypertension. A hypertensive crisis, which is very dangerous, happens when blood pressure suddenly jumps to 180/120 or above.
Blood pressure isn’t static. It can go up with stress, physical activity, or certain health conditions. Typically, a diagnosis of high blood pressure requires multiple elevated readings.
Men, unfortunately, are more likely than women to develop hypertension. There are certain risk factors outside of your control, including:
– **Gender**: Men are statistically more at risk than women.
– **Race**: African-Americans face a higher risk compared to other racial groups.
– **Age**: The older you get, the higher your risk.
– **Family History**: If one or both of your parents had high blood pressure, you’re twice as likely to develop it.
– **Chronic Kidney Disease**: This condition increases the likelihood of hypertension.
However, some risk factors *are* within your ability to manage. These include eating an unhealthy diet (especially diets high in sodium), lack of exercise, being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption (more than two drinks a day for men), smoking, diabetes, and stress.
### Treating Hypertension
Once diagnosed with hypertension, treatment is necessary. Left unchecked, high blood pressure can cause or worsen serious conditions like kidney disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and lung issues. It’s also a major contributor to cardiovascular and peripheral artery diseases.
The first step in managing hypertension usually involves lifestyle changes. This means adjusting your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. Many healthcare providers recommend the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which emphasizes foods rich in magnesium and potassium while reducing saturated fat, sodium, and sugar.
For men with stage 1 hypertension, improving diet, exercising, and losing weight may lead to noticeable improvements. However, roughly 80% of patients in this stage still need medication to help lower their numbers.
If your blood pressure reaches stage 2 levels, doctors typically combine medication with lifestyle changes. Common medications include diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). In certain cases—such as for those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or other specific illnesses—medications may be prescribed immediately.
### Hypertension and Stroke Risk
Managing high blood pressure is critical because prolonged or uncontrolled hypertension can raise the risk of stroke. Over time, high blood pressure damages arteries and can lead to plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This narrowing of arteries can restrict blood flow to the brain, increasing the chance of stroke.
The numbers are staggering. In the U.S., someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and every 4 minutes, someone dies from one. The good news? Making significant lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and adopting healthier habits, can not only lower blood pressure but may even allow you to reduce or stop medications altogether.
### Why It’s Important to Monitor Your Blood Pressure
No matter your age or gender, keeping tabs on your blood pressure is a simple but vital step in protecting your health. Regular checkups with your doctor can help you stay informed and take action before hypertension causes lasting damage. High blood pressure is the most controllable risk factor for preventing serious health issues like kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Take your health seriously—know your numbers, make lifestyle changes when needed, and talk with your doctor about how to keep your blood pressure in check.