HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE RISKS AND CARE IN SOUTHCENTRAL KENTUCKY

Nearly 40% of adults in Kentucky have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, according to recent health data from America’s Health Rankings (United Health Foundation).

Left untreated, high blood pressure can quietly damage your heart, blood vessels, and organs over time, earning it the nickname the “silent killer” because it often has no noticeable symptoms until serious damage has already occurred.

Med Center Health Emergency + UrgentCare regularly sees patients dealing with high blood pressure. Most of the time, it’s a routine issue that can be managed with your primary care provider. Other times, it’s a life-threatening emergency.

Knowing how blood pressure affects your body, and when to seek help are the first steps in protecting your health.

DANGERS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Your heart pumps blood through arteries, veins, and capillaries to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Blood pressure is the force of that blood against your artery walls.

It’s measured with two numbers:

• Systolic pressure (the top number) – pressure when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) – pressure when your heart rests.

A normal reading is below 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is defined as 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

When your blood pressure stays high over time, it puts extra strain on your arteries and makes your heart work harder than it should. That added stress can increase the risk of serious problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

SIGNS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND TREATMENT

In Kentucky, many people with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition. Symptoms, if they appear, may include headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but these often occur only when blood pressure reaches dangerous levels.

Healthy habits can make a real difference. Eating less sodium and fewer processed foods while choosing more potassium-rich foods like beans, spinach, and bananas can help. Regular activity, like walking, hiking at Mammoth Cave, or biking local trails, also supports heart health. Limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing stress can further reduce risk. And don’t forget your regular check-ups at Med Center Health so you can help catch issues early.

MED CENTER HEALTH EMERGENCY + URGENTCARE IS HERE FOR YOU

The key is not to ignore warning signs when they show up. Instead, visit Med Center Health Emergency + UrgentCare, where our ER-trained providers can quickly evaluate your symptoms and help determine the right level of care so you can get treated without delay. To learn more about our Lovers Lane location, visit https://euc.medcenterhealth.org/locations/bowling-green-ky-er-and-urgent-care/.