Woman Ignored Her High Blood Pressure for Years Because She ‘Didn’t Feel Sick.’ Now, She Has a Warning for Others (Exclusive)

A retiree from Savannah, Georgia, has shared her story of living with uncontrolled high blood pressure, urging others to take the condition seriously. Deborah, now 69, was diagnosed with hypertension in her early thirties, but her perception of the condition prevented her from prioritising her health for decades.

Initially, Deborah disregarded her high blood pressure diagnosis, attributing it to the natural process of ageing. She remarked, “I thought high blood pressure was just something older people ‘had.'” The lack of visible symptoms and the perception that hypertension was common in certain communities led her to believe it was not a serious medical issue.

“I didn’t see them sick or complaining, so I didn’t see it as a serious medical issue,” she said. This misconception persisted despite Deborah occasionally taking medication and making minor lifestyle adjustments. With family responsibilities and a demanding career in human resources, she felt compelled to keep pushing forward, often neglecting her own health.

However, a turning point occurred when subtle symptoms, such as dizziness and shortness of breath, became more pronounced. Deborah’s daughter insisted she seek medical attention after noticing her mother’s distress. During a hospital visit, medical staff struggled to obtain an initial blood pressure reading, ultimately discovering it was alarmingly high at over 200 mmHg.

Deborah’s health further declined during a separate emergency when she experienced chest discomfort attributed to a potential issue with her bra. An EKG revealed she was at risk of a heart attack, and she was swiftly sent to the emergency room. “That’s really the scary part of hypertension—there are not really glaring signs,” she noted, highlighting the deceptively subtle nature of her condition.

Despite taking multiple medications and maintaining regular doctor appointments, Deborah’s blood pressure proved difficult to manage. This uncontrolled hypertension led to the development of chronic kidney disease, a consequence she had not anticipated. “Even without big symptoms, high blood pressure was affecting my kidneys,” she stated, reflecting on how easily her condition had been brushed off over the years.

Looking back, Deborah expressed regret over her lack of awareness regarding the long-term effects of hypertension. “I wish we’d talked more about symptoms, risks, and what uncontrolled blood pressure does to your organs over time. Hearing those stories sooner might’ve changed how I handled mine,” she reflected.

Now more informed about her health, Deborah advocates for vigilance regarding blood pressure and encourages others to take proactive steps. “Take it seriously! If high blood pressure runs in your family, buy a home cuff and check regularly. It takes minutes,” she advises. If she could turn back time, Deborah admits, “I’d act sooner; I wouldn’t have brushed it off when I was initially diagnosed.”

In her journey to manage her condition, Deborah is preparing to discuss a new medication, Baxfendy, with her doctor. Recently approved by the FDA, this medication targets aldosterone, a hormone that can elevate blood pressure and contribute to heart and kidney complications. “I am excited for the new option,” she shared, expressing hope for improving her health management.

Deborah encourages those grappling with uncontrolled hypertension to seek both lifestyle changes and effective treatments. “Like me, many people with uncontrolled hypertension do everything they can. They make lifestyle changes and take their medications, so it can be frustrating when it can’t get under control,” she observed. Her enthusiasm for new treatments suggests a shift towards addressing the underlying causes of hypertension rather than merely its symptoms.

For those seeking more information on hypertension, Deborah recommends visiting feelingthepressure.com to better understand the condition and its implications. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and advocating for personal health, particularly when it comes to managing high blood pressure.