Could You Have High Blood Pressure and Not Know It?

Nearly 120 million Americans have hypertension, also called high blood pressure. The condition increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, but it’s often called “the silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms.

At Beverly Hills Medical Institute, family medicine doctor Shaghayegh “Sherri” Tavassoli, DO, regularly counsels patients with hypertension and develops personalized treatment plans. Read on to learn what high blood pressure is, why it can be challenging to catch early, and how to find out if you’re at risk.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your arteries remains abnormally high for extended periods. 

Blood pressure varies from person to person and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg). The American Heart Association considers normal blood pressure 120/80 mm/Hg (or lower), while a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm/Hg or higher indicates high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.

The good news is that blood pressure often develops gradually, so when it’s caught early, you can take steps to keep it from getting worse.

Why you might not know you have high blood pressure

High blood pressure often worsens over a period of years or decades. This slow-developing progression can make it difficult to pinpoint, because the body can adapt to higher pressure without it triggering symptoms.

When hypertension-related symptoms do occur, they typically present as headaches, fatigue, or dizziness, all of which can be attributed to other issues such as dehydration or general malaise. 

As a result, many people continue living their lives without seeing the doctor to inquire further. But left untreated, high blood pressure takes a toll on your body. It makes your heart and kidneys work harder and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. 

How to find out if you have it

Considering these risks, it’s important to know your blood pressure numbers. The only way to do that is with regular blood pressure checks. 

You may be able to attend a community health fair or buy a blood pressure machine and monitor your readings at home, but it’s much easier to partner with a qualified physician, like Dr. Tavassoli. 

She can schedule annual appointments and take your blood pressure several times during each visit. Since blood pressure fluctuates based on your environment, taking multiple readings can provide a more accurate picture of your cardiovascular health.

Schedule a high blood pressure screening today

If you have a family history of heart disease or are simply getting older, annual screenings can provide peace of mind and help protect your heart. 

Contact us if you’re interested in scheduling a high blood pressure screening. Call our office in Beverly Hills, serving the greater Los Angeles, California, area, or book your appointment online. Telehealth appointments are also available.