Know Your Numbers. Protect Your Brain.

It’s a well-known fact: High blood pressure is bad for your heart, kidneys and eyes. But new research has confirmed it’s also a leading driver of memory loss, stroke and dementia. 

The scary part of this: Most people with high blood pressure don’t feel any different. That’s why regular checks aren’t just a good idea. They’re the only way to know if yours is in the danger zone.

Why is high blood pressure so bad?

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against artery walls. When blood pressure stays high for too long, it can damage vessels throughout your body, greatly increasing your risk for heart disease, kidney disease, vision problems, stroke, memory loss and dementia.
    
The brain is especially vulnerable. High blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels that supply it, and that damage is linked to memory problems and long-term cognitive decline. It’s a big reason national guidelines set a treatment goal of below 130/80, aimed partly at protecting your memory, not just your heart.

But here’s the kicker: High blood pressure typically has no symptoms, so many people don’t even know they have it. Over time, it silently causes damage that may be irreversible.

Do you know your numbers?

For most adults with high blood pressure, the recommended goal is below 130/80. However, your provider may suggest a different target based on your age, health history or other medical conditions. This blood pressure chart is used by the AHA/ACC:

Normal: Below 120/80
Elevated: 120–129/below 80
Stage 1 high: 130–139/80–89
Stage 2 high: 140 or higher/90 or higher

It’s okay if a single reading falls into the elevated or high ranges. At any given moment, blood pressure levels can be affected by stress, exercise, caffeine, even sitting in a doctor’s office. The important thing is to watch for patterns or readings that stay high over time.

What to do next

Updated American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines emphasize three key steps to manage blood pressure:

1. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment
2. Regular monitoring
3. Lifestyle measures, such as eating a nutritious diet, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight

Get diagnosed and start treatment promptly

If your numbers are creeping up — or, if you just want to know where you stand to help lower your risk of organ damage — schedule an appointment at an MNPS Health Care Center. 

Keep track at home

A home blood pressure monitor, available at most pharmacies, can track your numbers over time. Take readings at about the same time each day and write down the results. Then bring those numbers to your appointments to help you and your doctor make informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle changes.

Join Omada and you’ll receive no-cost Wi-Fi-connected devices, including a blood pressure monitor. Omada uses the latest technology — plus sessions with a professional health coach — to track your progress and help you make lasting lifestyle changes. Learn more.

Next month we’ll discuss nine simple things you can do to better manage your blood pressure.

4 things to remember

1. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
2. The goal for most adults is below 130/80 — a target set partly to protect your memory.
3. Home monitoring can help you spot problems early.
4. The MNPS Health Care Center can diagnose, treat and help you monitor high blood pressure — no cost to you.

Source: American Heart Association