High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is widely known in the medical field as “the silent killer.” Some people report nausea, headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision, but there are usually no telltale symptoms or warning signs before a major complication. If death by terminal cancer is like being tied to train tracks or lined up in front of the firing squad, then death by hypertension is having a ninja sneaking up from behind and spinning your head 180 degrees. So what exactly is this silent killer? Well, normal blood pressure is considered to be at or lower than 120/80. Moderate hypertension is between 120/80 and 139/89, and anything above this is “high” blood pressure. The first number in these pairs refers to systolic pressure which is the pressure the arteries sustain when the heart contracts. The second number represents diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart rests.

Hypertension is a problem of duration. When a complication arises from hypertension, such as a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, hardened arteries, or kidney failure, it is in the majority of cases the result of years of having high blood pressure. Below are five practical ways to combat hypertension for those with a little willpower.

Lowering High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure Medications

Once diagnosed with hypertension, you will probably be told by a physician to make many of the lifestyle changes I’ve already mentioned; however, if your blood pressure is very high, or you’re genetically predisposed to hypertension, or the lifestyle modifications prove insufficient, your doctor may prescribe medication or a combination of drugs. Below you’ll find a description of some of the more popular medications.

Diuretics are sometimes prescribed alone, but most often are used in combination with other drugs. Diuretics help the body remove excess salt and water, which thins the blood, making it easier to pump throughout the body.

Beta-Blockers essentially reduce the intensity of the heart’s contraction and lower the pressure in the arteries. Side effects can include coolness or numbing of extremities as well as wheezing (especially for those with asthma).

ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme) and ARBs(angiotensin receptor blockers) are drugs that dilate the arteries by reducing the production of (ACE) or blocking (ARB) Angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts arteries and increases blood pressure. These drugs can be very effective and have many added benefits for people with diabetes and a history of heart failure.

Calcium Channel Blockers prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and arteries, which, like beta-blockers, reduces the force of the heart’s contractions and dilates the arteries. If you are prescribed any of these drugs or ones not mentioned, be sure to follow the doctor’s orders religiously. Blood pressure medications are powerful and should be taken seriously.

Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.   
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.   
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.  
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness and feeling numb on one side of the body.       

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.