Mountain Pacific Blog

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and stroke are two health conditions that can have a serious impact on our well-being. Though they may seem like separate concerns, they often go hand-in-hand. Read on to learn about the relationship between high blood pressure and stroke and get important information about both.

Understanding  High Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It is often referred to as the “silent killer,” because it typically has no symptoms but can cause severe damage to vital organs. For example, high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney failure leading to a need for dialysis or kidney transplantation. Common risk factors for high blood pressure include obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, smoking and family history.

Understanding Stroke:

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke (caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain) and hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in or around the brain). Symptoms of stroke can include

• sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg,
• confusion,
• trouble speaking or understanding speech,
• severe headache,
• difficulty walking.

The Link between High Blood Pressure and Stroke:

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. It damages blood vessels over time, making them more susceptible to blockages or rupture. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to the development of blood clots, which can obstruct blood flow to the brain and trigger an ischemic stroke. Hypertension can also weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the likelihood of a hemorrhagic stroke.

Prevention and Management:

Here are three steps to prevent high blood pressure and stroke, or to self-manage your high blood pressure to prevent a stroke.

1. Adopt healthy lifestyle habits most of the time.

• • Engage in regular physical activity like walking, biking or swimming.
  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
  • Limit salt intake and avoid processed foods.
  • Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.

2. Regularly monitor your blood pressure.

• • If you have an increased risk for high blood pressure, get it checked at least once a year. Visit your health care provider for routine check-ups and discuss any concerns or fluctuations in your blood pressure readings.
  • If you are already managing high blood pressure and can measure your blood pressure at home, check it once in the morning and once in the evening. If you get your blood pressure under control, one or two times per week is enough. See a doctor right away if you see a higher reading and are also experiencing a headache, dizziness or chest pain or if you are having trouble breathing.

3. Stick to your doctor’s orders.

• • If diagnosed with high blood pressure, follow your health care provider’s recommendations regarding medication and treatment.
  • Take prescribed medications as directed and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your condition.

High blood pressure and stroke are serious health concerns that should not be ignored. By understanding the connection between the two and taking necessary precautions, we can reduce our risk of developing these conditions.

This material was prepared by Mountain Pacific, a Medicare Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO), under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Views expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of CMS or HHS, and any reference to a specific product or entity herein does not constitute endorsement of that product or entity by CMS or HHS. 12SOW-MPQHF-AS-CC-5/23-315