Silent Hypertension: Can You Have High Blood Pressure Without Knowing It?
You can have high blood pressure, feel perfectly fine and not know it. This is one of the main challenges of hypertension, a common cardiovascular condition that, in many cases, causes no obvious symptoms.
In fact, many people discover they have hypertension during a routine medical check-up or when having their blood pressure measured for another reason. Meanwhile, persistently elevated blood pressure can progressively affect the heart, blood vessels, brain and kidneys.
That is why silent hypertension is one of the major challenges in cardiovascular prevention.
Why Can Hypertension Go Unnoticed?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. When it remains elevated, the cardiovascular system is subjected to additional strain which, over time, can contribute to the development of health problems.
However, hypertension does not always cause headaches, dizziness or other noticeable symptoms. It is possible to have elevated blood pressure readings for years without experiencing any symptoms that might raise suspicion.
This explains why we should not rely on how well we feel as the only indicator of cardiovascular health. Feeling well does not necessarily mean having normal blood pressure.
What Are the Consequences of High Blood Pressure?
When hypertension is not adequately controlled, it can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, heart failure or stroke. It can also cause kidney damage and affect other organs.
Age, family history, excess weight, physical inactivity, high salt and alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions can contribute to the development of hypertension.
The good news is that detecting and controlling high blood pressure can reduce the risk of complications. Lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication are part of its management.
How Can You Tell If You Have Hypertension?
The only reliable way to know your blood pressure is to measure it correctly.
A single high reading does not always mean that you have hypertension. To establish a diagnosis, properly taken measurements must be assessed and, in many cases, confirmed through home blood pressure readings or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
During a cardiology consultation, other risk factors, personal and family medical history, and any potential cardiovascular damage can also be assessed to determine the most appropriate follow-up.
Cardiovascular Prevention in Barcelona: Know Your Blood Pressure Numbers
Knowing your blood pressure is a simple but important step towards taking care of your heart. There is no need to wait until you experience symptoms to pay attention to one of the main cardiovascular risk factors.
At INSCOR Cardiology, our team of specialists in Barcelona carries out personalised cardiovascular assessments to identify risk factors, guide diagnosis and provide appropriate recommendations for each patient.
Your heart may not warn you that you have high blood pressure. That is why it is important to know your numbers.
Book your cardiovascular check-up at INSCOR.
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