Millions of Americans Have Hypertension and Don’t Know It. How Not to Be Among Them

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is among the most common health problems in the US. Nearly half of American adults are affected. What’s even more surprising is that many people don’t even know they have it.

Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension typically doesn’t cause symptoms until it becomes severe. Many of our patients at Creekside Family Practice are surprised to learn they have high blood pressure because they feel fine.

As your trusted primary care practice, we want to help you understand hypertension and take steps to protect your health.

Hypertension basics

Blood pressure is the force at which blood pushes against the arterial walls. When that pressure is too high, it makes your heart work harder and stresses your blood vessels. Over time, excessively high blood pressure can be instrumental in serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and even vision loss.

A normal blood pressure reading should typically be around 120/80 mmHg. The systolic (the top) number measures the pressure when your heart actually beats. The diastolic (the bottom) number measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats. We diagnose hypertension when your readings consistently stay at or above 130/80 mmHg.

Why people don’t know they have hypertension

One of the tricky things about hypertension is that it rarely causes obvious symptoms. You can feel perfectly well while in the background, your blood pressure quietly rises to dangerous levels.

Some people may experience headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds, but these signs usually don’t appear until the condition becomes severe. That’s why regular check-ups are so important — if you only see Dr. Qureshi when you feel sick, you might miss the chance to catch high blood pressure early.

At Creekside Family Practice, we check your blood pressure every time you come in. It’s a quick, painless test that provides us with vital information about your cardiovascular health.

Understanding hypertension risk factors

Hypertension can affect anyone, but some people are at a higher risk than others. Risk factors include:

Age

Blood pressure tends to climb as you age. After 60, more than 71% of people have hypertension.

Family history

Your risk of hypertension is higher if your parents or siblings have high blood pressure.

Being overweight or obese

Carrying surplus weight places extra pressure on your heart and blood vessels.

Lack of physical activity

An inactive lifestyle is bad for your circulation and heart health.

Unhealthy diet

Diets high in salt, fat, and sugar can contribute to high blood pressure.

Smoking and alcohol use

Bad habits like these damage your blood vessels over time.

Stress

Chronic stress raises the likelihood of practicing unhealthy behaviors and experiencing higher blood pressure.

Chronic conditions

Diabetes, kidney disease, and high cholesterol are closely linked with hypertension.

Even if you feel healthy, knowing your risk factors helps you stay ahead of the problem and allows us to monitor you carefully.

Avoiding hypertension

The good news? Hypertension is often preventable. Small changes in your daily routine make a considerable difference — here’s what we recommend:

Check your blood pressure regularly

Home monitors are easy to use, and our office is always here to help you stay on track.

Eat a heart-healthy diet

Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Cut back on salt and processed foods.

Stay active

Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity (more if possible), like walking or cycling, most days of the week.

Maintain a healthy weight

Losing even small amounts of weight could lower your blood pressure. Our team at Creekside Family Practice offers medical weight loss programs designed to help you achieve your goals.

Limit alcohol and avoid smoking

These steps protect your blood vessels and overall health.

Manage stress

Try relaxation techniques to lower stress, like deep breathing, meditation, or spending time in nature.

Take your medications as prescribed

If we recommend medicine, follow the instructions carefully. Medications can effectively control your blood pressure and prevent future complications.

By staying informed, choosing healthier habits, and keeping up with regular check-ups, you can lower your risk of hypertension and its serious consequences.

If you haven’t had your last blood pressure checked recently, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with us at Creekside Family Practice today by phone or using the form on our Contact Page. Together, we can catch problems early and keep your heart as healthy as possible for years to come.