Blood Pressure and Hypertension Facts

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is measured as two numbers systolic and diastolic.

• Systolic- is when the heart contracts and pushes blood through the vessels
• Diastolic- is when the heart relaxes between contractions

This measurement is written with the systolic number on top and the diastolic number on the bottom. For example: 120/80mmHg (millimeters of mercury) you may hear said as 120 over 80.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure or Hypertension means that the force of blood against your artery walls increases. One high reading does not always mean that you have high blood pressure. You will have blood pressure readings done on follow-up visits to confirm this diagnosis. For most adults, blood pressure readings that stay over 140/90 or higher are indicative of high blood pressure. People with Chronic Kidney Disease may be considered to have high blood pressure with a reading of 130/80.

Some people only have high blood pressure when they visit the doctor’s office. This is better known as “white-coat hypertension”. In this case, your doctor may want you to monitor your blood pressure at home.

High blood pressure increases your chances of getting heart disease and/or kidney disease and for having a stroke. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Sometimes, people with high blood pressure have headaches or vision changes.

Facts About High Blood Pressure:

• Is referred to as a silent killer because one can have it for years and not know
• Is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease
• Risks of complications can be reduced by controlling high blood pressure

What causes High Blood Pressure?

Sometimes the cause of high blood pressure is not known. If you have a family history, or you are in a high risk group, you may develop high blood pressure. Knowing some of the causes of high blood pressure can lead to prevention. You may have an increased chance of having high blood pressure if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Being Overweight
• Have a Family History of high blood pressure
• Are African-American
• Use too much table salt
• Women who use birth control pills
• Use illegal drugs

How is High blood pressure treated?

Your doctor may have you follow some lifestyle changes such as:

• Lose weight
• Exercise
• Decrease salt intake
• Cut back on alcohol
• Stop smoking

If these changes do not control your high blood pressure then your doctor may prescribe medication.

Things to Remember:

• See your doctor regularly
• Early detection is important to a longer healthier life
• Work with your doctor to control high blood pressure
• Take any medication as prescribed by your doctor

(Never stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first)

• Follow any lifestyle changes that you have been given
• Ask questions

Taking a Pro-Active approach to preventing and controlling blood pressure is essential in eliminating the risk of serious health issues. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. Spread the word by talking to family and friends about having their blood pressures checked.

Source: The National Institute of Health &The National Kidney Foundation