People suffering from hypertension know that high blood pressure impacts their heart. Many patients don’t know that hypertension has an impact on the brain as well. In this article, we will understand the connection between heart-head and blood pressure. There is a reason why hypertension is also known as the silent killer. You may not experience symptoms of this condition. There is no warning sign indicating that you have a high risk of stroke or heart attack. Therefore, if you know that you have hypertension, you must use an electronic blood pressure monitor to monitor your blood pressure. If the number is higher, your heart has to work harder to pump and supply blood to different parts of your body. This causes damage to your heart. Every body part including the brain relies on the supply of blood to function properly. Therefore, high blood pressure impacts all vital organs including the brain, eyes, kidneys, arteries and so on.

Different brain parts responsible for memory and cognition have tiny blood vessels. High blood pressure causes damage to these blood vessels. This increases the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing that you have cardiovascular disease can take a toll on your emotional well-being. You are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Hypertension also influences your mood.

When you are suffering from stress, your body produces cortisol and adrenaline. Both hormones raise your blood pressure. Many people use recreational drugs, nicotine, alcohol or eat junk food to self-medicate their mood. However, these mistakes can further increase your blood pressure. Even isolation due to depression and anxiety can cause hypertension. This is not good for your cardiovascular health. Poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and other lifestyle factors cause mental health problems and high blood pressure. You can improve hypertension and mental health by making some good changes in your lifestyle.

High blood pressure is a common condition. Nearly 50% of American adults suffer from high blood pressure. However, this condition is treatable. Some simple lifestyle changes can be significantly helpful. Regular exercise improves blood circulation to all parts of the body. This improves both physical and mental health and as a result, reduces the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and many other diseases. 

How to measure blood pressure

If your electronic blood pressure monitor displays blood pressure readings 120/80 mm Hg, you have normal blood pressure. Here mm Hg stands for millimeters of Mercury. It does not matter how old you are.

Systolic blood pressure or the higher number is measured when the heart pumps blood into the arteries. Diastolic blood pressure or the lower number is measured between beats when your heart relaxes. 

If your blood pressure readings are 140/90 mm Hg or higher, you are suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. If your blood pressure is less than 90/60 mm Hg, you are suffering from low blood pressure or hypotension. 

You should monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis using an electronic blood pressure monitor so that you can get timely treatment to prevent damage to the heart and other body parts.