Preventing Hypertension - All About Hypertension
Know the Facts - Preventing Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
The Basic - What is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)?
So what is hypertension? The more you know about hypertension (high blood pressure), the more successful you are in preventing hypertension or even managing your hypertension. Hypertension (also called high blood pressure) is a serious illness that affects nearly 65 million adults in the United States. Hypertension is often called a "silent killer" because many people have it but don't know it. Over time, people who do not get treated for high blood pressure can get very sick or even die.
Our heart regulates the blood flow in our body. To regulate this blood flow there is blood pressure that is the force in the arteries when the heart beats which is called the systolic pressure (the top number) and when the heart is at rest called the diastolic (the bottom number). You have hypertension or also called high blood pressure when your systolic is equal or greater than 140 mm Hg and your diastolic is equal or greater than 90 mm Hg. The reading will be 140/90.
If your blood pressure is often greater than 140/90, you may need treatment. If your blood pressure is greater than 120/80, and you have other risk factors, like diabetes, you may need treatment.
Understanding your blood pressure: What do the numbers mean?
When you have your blood pressure taken by the doctor or a nurse, you are told 2 numbers like 120/80. Both numbers are important. The first number is your pressure when your heart beats (systolic pressure). The second number is your pressure when your heart relaxes (diastolic pressure). These numbers are measured in millimeters (mm Hg), hence your official blood pressure reading is 120mm Hg/80 mmHg.
Sphygmomanometers or blood pressure meter is a device used to measure blood pressure, made up of an inflatable cuff to restrict blood flow, and a mercury or mechanical manometer to measure the pressure (see figure on the left). It is always used in conjunction with a means to determine at what pressure blood flow is just starting, and at what pressure it is unimpeded. Manual sphygmomanometers are used in conjunction with a stethoscope.
Your blood pressure goes up and down during the day, depending on what you are doing. Brief rises in blood pressure are normal, but the higher your blood pressure stays, the more at risk you are.
The chart by the American Heart Association for recommended blood pressure levels provides an easy guidelines in your hypertension awareness.
| Blood Pressure Category |
Systolic(mm Hg) |
Diastolic (mm Hg) |
| Normal |
less than 120 |
less than 80 |
| Prehypertension |
120–139 |
80–89 |
| High | ||
| Stage 1 |
140–159 |
90–99 |
| Stage 2 | 160 or higher |
100 or higher |
** Note: Your doctor should evaluate unusually low readings.
What does hypertension do to your body?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can cause life-threatening illnesses like kidney problems, stroke, heart failure, blindness, and heart attacks.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can have high blood pressure. Some people are more likely to have high blood pressure including:
* African Americans
* People over age 55
* People with a family history of high blood pressure
Your chances of having high blood pressure are higher if you:
* Are overweight
* Eat foods high in salt
* Do not get regular exercise
* Smoke
* Drink alcohol heavily
What are the signs of high blood pressure?
Many people with high blood pressure do not feel sick at first. The only way to know for sure is to get your blood pressure checked by a doctor or other health professional.
How is hypertension treated?
Treating hypertension could be accomplished in different ways. It could be treated by simply lifestyle change or even dietary changes. Treating hypertension through the use of medicines is another form hypertension treatment where a doctor's supervision is necessary. Only your doctor can tell if you need to take medicines.
How does high blood pressure affect pregnant women?
A few women will get high blood pressure when they are pregnant. When pregnant women get high blood pressure, it is called preeclampsia or toxemia.
How to control your hypertension?
* Check your blood pressure.
* Take your high blood pressure medicine every day if needed.
* Exercise often.
* Eat foods low in salt.
* Lose weight or keep weight at a healthy level.
* Do not smoke.
* Limit alcohol.
* Talk to your doctor regularly about your pressure.
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