One in ten men suffer from some form of heart disease, which is why the American Heart Association recommends that men get screened for the condition every year. More specifically, the AHA recommends that any man who has reached the age of forty be tested for high blood pressure, or hypertension. This is because untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart problems, stroke, and kidney damage. Fortunately, there are medications that can be taken to treat high blood pressure, making it less of a health issue for men.
The above infographic from the American Heart Association shows that there are some clear warning signs that men need to look out for, if they want to avoid being diagnosed with high blood pressure. It is important to remember that many men will actually not experience any of these warning signs, as they may not think that they are at risk. This means that the only way to truly know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood tested, which an easy and painless way to do so is at a community health center, such as a Kaiser Permanente Medical Clinic.
The Signs
Men are more likely to experience high blood pressure if they have any of the following risk factors:
- Overweight or obesity
- Raised blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure in their family
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
Other possible signs that a man could have high blood pressure include:
- High blood pressure during or after exercising
- Rapid breathing
- Tingling in the extremities
- Headache
- Lower back pain
If you think that you or a loved one may have high blood pressure, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor. There is no known cure for high blood pressure, but it can be controlled through medication and lifestyle changes. These include eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and staying active. Men, in particular, should make sure to get at least thirty minutes of exercise daily. In addition, they should also try to cut out the salt they eat, as it is harmful to their blood pressure. Ultimately, the above list of signs may not be specific to high blood pressure, but men shouldn’t ignore them, just in case.
How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will likely prescribe you medication to control it. While there are several forms of medication available to treat high blood pressure, the most popular ones to start with are:
- A beta blocker
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
- A vasodilator
- A calcium channel blocker
- A diuretic
These are all drugs that help control blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, which decreases the workload of the heart. In addition to lowering your blood pressure, they can also improve the function of your heart and kidneys. This means that they can help alleviate many of the symptoms and complications of the condition. On the other hand, medication for high blood pressure is not a substitute for healthy living.
Risks Of Untreated High Blood Pressure
As mentioned above, high blood pressure can lead to several health problems. Some of the more severe complications that can develop include:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney damage
- Retinopathy (damage to the retina)
Men are more likely to develop many of these problems, since high blood pressure can be quite damaging to the heart and kidneys. If you do experience any of the above complications, it’s imperative that you seek treatment as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are numerous medications that can be taken to treat high blood pressure. If you start noticing any of the above symptoms, especially if they are coming on suddenly, you should contact your doctor right away.
When To Test For High Blood Pressure?
As mentioned above, the best time to test for high blood pressure is between the ages of forty and seventy. The American Heart Association recommends that men consult their doctor at least once every year after the age of forty, and at least twice a year after the age of fifty. For those who are unsure about what their blood pressure numbers should be, it is a good idea to have them checked once every two years. In addition, those who have a family history of high blood pressure should get tested more frequently, as it is in their best interest to do so. This is because they are more likely to develop the condition, and it would be best to catch it early, before any serious damage occurs.
The above infographic from the American Heart Association shows the importance of getting the recommended testing. In particular, it highlights that men who don’t get tested for high blood pressure are more likely to die from the condition than those who do get tested on a regular basis. This is because high blood pressure can be quite damaging to the heart and kidneys, leading to organ failure and death. Fortunately, there are simple ways for men to avoid being diagnosed with high blood pressure, which is why it is so important to be tested for the condition regularly, regardless of whether you think you might have it or not. It is also important to keep in mind that if you are taking any medicines for high cholesterol or diabetes, these will also play a role in keeping your blood pressure down.
What To Look Forward To
Once you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will likely give you several tips on how to control it better. One of the things that you should look forward to is taking medications to lower your blood pressure. While this may not sound like fun, it is a necessary evil in order to prevent organ damage and death. This said, it is still important to try and maintain a positive attitude, as there are many different kinds of medication available, and the chances of getting sick from them are quite low. In addition, there are also ways to avoid taking medications, such as getting enough sleep and eating healthy foods, which some people may find more convenient. Ultimately, you and your doctor will have to find the right medication for you to take, which will ultimately help control your blood pressure. Once this is achieved, you should experience many of the health benefits that the condition has to offer.