CHAMPLIN, Minn. — In our country, high blood pressure is common. Between 30%-40% of American men have the disease and many don't even know it.
"High blood pressure might not have any symptoms. Most people feel totally normal," says Dr. Lonnie Mollo with Park Nicollet Champlin.
Often referred to as the ''silent killer,'' Dr. Mollo says it's only in extreme cases that people feel symptoms like chest pain, headache, difficulty breathing, or vision change.
"Some people are going to have high blood pressure because of a diet and having a diet that is very rich in salt," Dr. Mollo says. "Sometimes it can be because of chronic stress and we see some fluctuations in blood pressure with stress levels."
"It can be partially from family history or genetics. Some families have a higher rate of blood pressure elevation," he adds.
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With the lack of symptoms, it's important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. It's done in-clinic with a pressurized arm cuff that records levels while in a seated position. A simple test can prevent blood vessel damage - preventing larger health problems.
"High blood pressure can cause heart disease as you get older. We also worry about the blood vessels in your brain. High blood pressure can cause strokes," Dr. Mollo says.
There are several things you can do to keep blood pressure in an acceptable range. Find a healthy food plan that is low in salt, maintain a healthy weight, be physically active for 30-minutes a day, limit alcohol use and don't smoke.
"It's often times very easily treated but we have to make sure the treatments are effective and making sure that we are seeing those healthy changes over time," Dr. Mollo says.
If natural changes don't work and blood pressure remains high, a daily prescription medication can be prescribed to help lower it to a healthy level.