Show Your Heart Some Love
February is American Heart Month, which makes it a perfect time to show your heart a little extra love. And while hearts are often associated with romance, chocolates, and Valentine’s cards, real heart health is a lot less glamorous—and a lot more important.
One of the biggest threats to heart health is something many people don’t even feel coming. High blood pressure. Also known as hypertension.
It’s common.
It’s serious.
And the good news? It’s manageable.
At Culbertson Memorial Hospital, we believe that understanding your health shouldn’t feel overwhelming or intimidating. So, let’s have an honest, down-to-earth conversation about hypertension, why it matters, and what you can do—starting today—to protect your heart.
What Is Hypertension, Anyway?
Blood pressure is simply the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. That pressure is measured using two numbers. The top number, called systolic pressure, measures pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures pressure when your heart rests between beats.
You’ve probably seen numbers like 120 over 80. That’s written as 120/80 mmHg. When blood pressure stays too high for too long, that’s hypertension. Dr. Carlos Urdininea Kirkwod, FACP, who sees patients at Culbertson Memorial Hospital, puts it simply: “High blood pressure is not just a number on a screen. Over time, it quietly damages the blood vessels and organs that keep you alive.” Quietly is the key word here.
The “Silent” Problem You Can’t Feel
Hypertension is often called the silent killer. Not because it’s dramatic—but because it usually has no obvious symptoms.
You can feel perfectly fine.
You can be active.
You can go about your daily routine.
And still have dangerously high blood pressure.
When symptoms do show up, they’re often subtle or appear later in the game. Headaches. Dizziness. Blurred vision. Shortness of breath. Chest discomfort. A pounding feeling in the chest or ears. By then, your body may already be under stress. “Many patients are surprised by their diagnosis,” says Dr. Carlos. “They didn’t feel sick. That’s why routine checks are so important.”
The Stages of High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure isn’t an all-or-nothing situation. It falls into categories.
Normal is less than 120/80.
Elevated means the top number is creeping up.
Stage 1 hypertension starts at 130/80.
Stage 2 hypertension begins at 140/90 or higher.
A reading over 180/120 is considered a hypertensive crisis and requires immediate medical attention. If your numbers are rising, that’s your cue—not to panic—but to act.
When Should You Seek Care?
Let’s be clear. Some situations are emergencies.
Call 911 if your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher and you have symptoms like chest pain, severe headache, trouble breathing, confusion, numbness, or difficulty speaking.
If your blood pressure is that high but you don’t have symptoms, rest for a few minutes and recheck it. If it’s still elevated, call your doctor right away.
And if your numbers are creeping up over time—even without symptoms—that’s a reason to schedule a visit. Early treatment can prevent serious complications later.
How Is Hypertension Treated?
Here’s the hopeful part. High blood pressure is very treatable. In fact, lifestyle changes alone can sometimes be as effective as medication. That means small steps can make a big difference.
Lifestyle Changes That Really Work
Food matters. A lot. Heart-healthy eating plans like the DASH or Mediterranean diets focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Less processed food. Less salt. Sodium is sneaky. It hides in breads, soups, deli meats, pizza, and even poultry. Cutting back can significantly lower blood pressure.
Movement helps. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. That could be brisk walking, swimming, biking, or dancing in your living room. It all counts.
Weight matters, too. Losing even 5 to 10 pounds can noticeably reduce blood pressure.
Stress and sleep matter more than most people realize. Chronic stress and poor sleep keep blood pressure elevated. Deep breathing, meditation, gentle stretching, and consistent sleep routines can help.
And if you smoke or vape, quitting is one of the most powerful things you can do for your heart.
As Dr. Carlos says, “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be consistent.”
When Medication Is Part of the Plan
Sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough on their own. And that’s okay. There are many safe, effective medications that help control blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, reducing fluid buildup, or easing the workload on the heart. Finding the right medication—or combination—can take time. That’s normal. It’s a partnership between you and your provider. “The goal isn’t just to lower numbers,” Dr. Carlos explains. “It’s to protect your heart, kidneys, brain, and quality of life.”
Why Blood Pressure Control Matters So Much
Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and even memory problems. It damages blood vessels, making them stiff and narrow. That makes it harder for blood to flow—and easier for blockages or ruptures to occur. It can also affect sexual health and is a key part of metabolic syndrome. In short, high blood pressure touches nearly every system in the body. But again—this is the part worth repeating—it’s something you can do something about.
American Heart Month Is a Reminder, Not a Guilt Trip
February isn’t about blame or fear. It’s about awareness.
It’s about checking your blood pressure.
Scheduling that appointment you’ve been putting off.
Taking one small step toward better health.
Your heart has been working for you every second of your life. American Heart Month is a gentle nudge to return the favor.
Care Close to Home
Your heart doesn’t ask for much.
Just a little attention.
A little care.
And maybe fewer salty snacks.
This February, let’s listen to it.
Dr. Carlos Urdininea Kirkwod, FACP, sees patients at Culbertson Memorial Hospital on the first Friday of each month. He also works with patients through the Comprehensive Kidney, Hypertension & Diabetes Clinic. If you’d like more information or want to schedule an appointment, help is close by. To learn more about Dr. Carlos or to schedule an appointment, please call Patient Access at (217) 322-5271.