Maryland's Health Matters - Midtown - Fall 2016 - 8

understand the condition. Dr. Lewis
explains that high blood pressure is the
measure of the force of your blood working against the walls of your arteries.
The top number is the higher number.

The best way to check
your blood pressure
is to see your doctor,
but you can also
monitor it at home.

It measures the pressure in your arteries
when your heart contracts as it beats.
The bottom (diastolic) number is
lower. It measures the pressure in your
arteries in between heartbeats, when
your heart relaxes. High blood pressure
puts you at increased risk for:
■ Heart disease and heart attack
■ Stroke
■ Kidney failure
■ Congestive heart failure
■ Vision loss
■ Erectile dysfunction
■ Memory loss
■ Fluid in the lungs
■ Peripheral artery disease
As Coates can attest, even extremely
high blood pressure levels don't typically cause noticeable symptoms. "The
best way to check your blood pressure
is to see your doctor," Dr. Lewis says.
"Symptoms [of high blood pressure] are
often absent or vague, like headaches,
blurred vision, nosebleeds, dizziness or

GET CHECKED

weakness on one side, slurred speech,

The American Heart Association recommends checking your blood pressure
beginning at age 20 and measuring it every two years if it's normal. If it's high,
your doctor will want to see you more often, especially if you are controlling
it with medication.
A primary care doctor can check your blood pressure and take steps to
help you keep it well controlled. Primary care physicians are available to see
you in two convenient locations:

severe headaches, or vision changes

■ Primary Care at UMMC Midtown Campus: 410-225-2000

such as blind spots or blurred vision.

■ UM Community Medical Group-Primary Care at Heritage Crossing: 410-225-8625

weakness. You probably wouldn't think
they were caused by hypertension."
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can
be dangerous. Get to the emergency
department or call 911 if you experience

HYPERTENSION VS. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
While people often use the terms "high blood pressure" and "hypertension" interchangeably, and they are related,
they don't mean exactly the same thing. "High blood pressure" means a reading of your blood pressure is 140/90
or higher. Three separate readings of high blood pressure indicate that you have chronic hypertension.
So a single high reading does not mean you have hypertension. Changing your position (like from sitting or lying
down to standing), exercise, stress and sleep can all affect your blood pressure. If your doctor measures your blood
pressure and gets a high reading, he or she may check it several more times or ask you to monitor it at home.

MARYLAND'S HEALTH MATTERS

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - Midtown - Fall 2016