Most of the time, when you visit a doctor or other health professional, they will take your blood pressure. Have you ever wondered why blood pressure measurements are so important? What does it mean if your blood pressure is high? What should you know about high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the measure of the pressure or force of blood against your blood vessels which are called arteries. This force is created by the heart as it pumps blood into your arteries and through the circulatory system. Blood pressure numbers are usually written with the systolic number above the diastolic, such as 120/80 mmHg. The top number represents the pressure when your heart contracts and pushes blood out (systolic) and the bottom number is the lowest pressure when the heart relaxes between beats (diastolic). The mmHg is millimeters of mercury- the units used to measure blood pressure.

Blood pressure tends to go up and down, even in people who have normal blood pressure. So, if you have a high blood pressure reading it is important to have your blood pressure monitored closely (have your blood pressure taken two to three times daily for 1 week and record all readings). Consistent blood pressure readings over 140/90 mmHg are considered high, but if you have diabetes, 130/80 mmHg is high. Normal blood pressure readings are below 120/80 mmHg.

Being informed about high blood pressure is important. High blood pressure also known as hypertension, is referred to as the silent disease because there are no symptoms for months or years. However, high blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems. High blood pressure affects one in five Canadians, yet 42% of Canadians with high blood pressure are unaware they have it. Left untreated high blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls causing scarring and the build-up of plaque which eventually narrows and blocks arteries. It also makes the heart work extra hard leading to straining and weakening of the heart.

An Important fact about high blood pressure; it is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease, therefore, it is very important that it is properly controlled.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you are told that you have pre-high blood pressure or pre-hypertension, this means your blood pressure is in the range 120/80 – 139/89, and you are a high risk candidate for developing hypertension. It is crucial to make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk. Inform yourself about high blood pressure and important choices to prevent developing hypertension.

The first steps to take are:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Be physically active
• Quit smoking
• Reduce your salt and alcohol intake.
• If you are overweight, achieve and maintain a healthy weight which can dramatically reduce your chances of having a stroke or heart attack.

Learn more about high blood pressure treatment in my next article. This is particularly important if you are per-hypertensive and want non-medical healthier lifestyle choices to improve your blood pressure.

Tags: about high blood pressure, Arteries, blood pressure, blood pressure readings, coronary heart disease, heart failure, High Blood Pressure, hypertension