At One Health Medical Care in Reston, Virginia, Dr. Mingliarti Tjahjana is committed to providing unmatched care for patients, from annual physical check-ups to treatment for a full scope of conditions, including hypertension — also known as high blood pressure.
This May, in recognition of High Blood Pressure Education Month, we’re focusing on the importance of having your blood pressure routinely checked, and if it’s high, treated. Here, we explain what your blood pressure numbers mean.
Have you heard about the importance of “knowing your numbers?” This is critical health data that helps you and your doctor know where you’re at health-wise, and how to move forward if there are any issues.
These important readings include your weight, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure — or the rate at which your blood pushes against your arterial walls while your heart pumps and when it rests.
These readings help your doctor assess your risk for serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, as well as numerous other potential complications.
As we’ve mentioned, hypertension is a major risk factor for serious health crises, like heart attack and stroke, which is a major cause of adult disability. We want to provide facts and figures specifically related to stroke, and share why it’s crucial to do all you can to keep your blood pressure under control.
The statistics are sobering: About 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, and during a stroke, almost two million brain cells die per minute — and they can’t be revived. This is why the phrase “time is brain” is often used when talking about the urgent need for immediate stroke care.
Unfortunately, high blood pressure isn’t something you can feel, and there aren’t any obvious symptoms. This is why it’s essential to be aware of your blood pressure and to monitor it regularly to ensure it stays within the normal range. If it’s higher than it should be, Dr. Tjahjana can look into why and provide an effective treatment plan to get your health back on track.
You may not have paid too much attention to those two numbers when you got your blood pressure taken before, but understanding more about your health is an important part of becoming a true partner with your doctor in your care.
The top number in your reading represents systolic pressure, or the force of your blood pushing against your arterial walls when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure is the bottom number of your reading; it represents the force of your blood on your arterial walls between beats, when your heart is resting.
What’s considered normal, elevated, and high blood pressure has changed in the last eight years. In 2017, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and nine other respected health organizations issued revised blood pressure guidelines that were lower than what was previously followed.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg). These are the guidelines we follow currently:
A hypertensive crisis occurs when your blood pressure hits 180/120 or higher. This emergency condition requires immediate medical intervention.
There are simple lifestyle choice changes you can make to lower your blood pressure; these changes are also very effective for preventing high blood pressure in the first place.
We recommend:
Some high blood pressure risk factors aren’t modifiable, meaning you can’t change them. These include having a family history of high blood pressure, living with a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, and racial background (Black people have a higher risk of hypertension).
If Dr. Tjahjana diagnoses you with high blood pressure, she provides guidance on the lifestyle habits you can change, and may prescribe medication to help you control your numbers in the meantime.
Do you know your blood pressure numbers? Today’s a good day to see where they’re at — and we’re here to help. Call or click online to schedule a visit at One Health Medical Care in Reston, Virginia, today.
