Sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends, you might feel some anxiety flutter through you. Your mind begins to wander as you look around the table at all the people you love the most. You start to feel a little overwhelmed, wondering if you’ll have enough to say. And then it hits you: You have a lot to be thankful for. Your health is pretty much intact, aside from a bit of anxiety (which you can easily handle). You have a job you enjoy, and you’re able to provide for your family. Maybe even most importantly, you have the people you love around you. You feel a warm glow in your heart as you think about all the people you care about the most. That’s what made this year so special.
But if your blood pressure is higher than normal and you take medication for it, something else might pop up. Your medication might not be as effective anymore; your doctor might want to increase your dose. And then there’s the dreaded side effect of priapism, which is a painful erection that won’t go away. If that happens, you’re in for a rough day… and it might end up being a painful night as well. Sometimes, these things just happen, but knowing what you need to avoid makes all the difference.
What is High Blood Pressure?
It’s no secret that men are more likely to have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. In fact, it has been reported that men are twice as likely as women to have hypertension. That’s why it’s so important to have regular checkups and monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have any risk factors for high blood pressure. If you’re not sure what those are, keep reading.
Risk Factors For High Blood Pressure
There are certain factors that put you at a higher risk of high blood pressure, including:
- Being overweight. Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure. So does a bad diet. You should aim to lose about 10 pounds to decrease your risk of hypertension. This is especially important if you’re a woman, as being overweight increases your risk of high blood pressure significantly.
- Being inactive. It’s important to get enough sleep and eat well, but you must also get some exercise. Avoid sitting down for more than four hours continuously. Even a short walk can raise your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. So get moving!
- Having a history of high blood pressure. If you have a relative with high blood pressure or know someone else who takes medication for it, you’re at a higher risk of developing the condition as well. If you have a history of heart disease in your family, you’re at a greater risk of having high blood pressure. This is because having a heart disease puts you at risk for heart failure, which is associated with high blood pressure. If you’re not familiar, heart failure is when the heart isn’t pumping effectively. It results in swelling, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Being a man. Although women have a greater risk of high blood pressure, men are more prone to having serious complications from the condition. Some of these complications include heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. If you’re a man and want to decrease your risk of developing high blood pressure, you must keep your weight in check and be active. Seek medical help if you need to.
- Being older. As you get older, the risk of high blood pressure increases. This is due in part to hormones changing and your body slowly letting go of the extra weight. If you’re over 40, you’re at a higher risk of high blood pressure. However, there are treatment options available that can help. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.
- Being African American. According to the American Heart Association, African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure. This is likely because of genetics playing a factor. There’s also a theory that certain diets might be more effective in lowering blood pressure in certain populations. If you’re African American, you might want to try a diet like the ketogenic diet, which has been shown to be effective in decreasing blood pressure. However, the AHA cautions that these diets are not for everyone and should be used only when prescribed by a physician.
Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, you’ll likely experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Headaches. You might feel headaches coming on more frequently or even waking you up at night due to the pain. Other similar symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, or anxiety.
- Rapid breathing. You might feel short of breath even when going about your daily routine. Or you might experience rapid breathing when asleep. If you wake up with shortness of breath, this is typically a sign that your blood pressure is high at that moment. Remember: This is an ongoing condition and not something that will simply go away.
- Dark dreams. You might have dreams where you’re acting out your dreams in a way that makes no sense. For example, you’re climbing a mountain but it feels like you’re climbing the walls. These are usually stress dreams and might be a sign that your mental health is struggling. They’re not typical sleep dreams and might just be a way for your brain to process what’s going on.
- Feeling cold. You might feel cold even when the temperature is fine. Your hands and feet might feel cold even when your body heats up. Or you might feel cold when you’re hot, like when you come out of the shower. Some people with high blood pressure have a problem with their thermostat and the heat is either too high or low, causing them to overheat or underheat respectively. Make sure the temperature is set where you feel most comfortable and avoid excessive heat or cold. Excessive sweating or cold-drying could also be a cause of high blood pressure. Make sure you’re well hydrated and avoid dehydration, which can cause significant blood pressure harm.
How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
There are several ways to treat high blood pressure, depending on your lifestyle. If you need medication to lower your blood pressure, there are options out there (and more coming soon). However, there are also natural remedies that you can try as well. Some people prefer taking supplements while others believe in eating the right foods. Ultimately, it depends on you and what works best for you.
Treatments For High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, don’t just sit back and take it. There are several treatments available to lower your blood pressure (and in most cases, it’s not medication alone). Here are some of the more popular ones: