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

When medical professionals refer to blood pressure they are describing the force applied by the stream of blood within the body on the walls of the blood vessels. A cuff and measuring gauge are generally used to determine an individual’s blood pressure. Measurements are taken in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Two separate measurements are always taken. Systolic blood pressure is the force exerted on the walls of the blood vessels while the heart is contracting. Diastolic blood pressure is the force exerted on the blood vessels while the heart is at rest.

Every individual’s blood pressure tends to vary greatly and can actually change from one heart beat to the next. In order to determine a person’s average blood pressure it is necessary to take more than one measurement at various times of day over a period of time.

If a person maintains normal blood pressure he or she is less likely to develop cardiovascular problems or other health complications. Blood pressure that is abnormally high or low can lead to potentially fatal problems. Therefore it is very important to make sure that your health care provider checks your blood pressure regularly.

Healthy Blood Pressure Levels

Healthy blood pressure has a systolic measurement of between 90 and 119. It has a diastolic measurement of 60-79. People with low average measurements are less prone to the health complications associated with hypertension and hypotension. Children have lower blood pressure than adults. Generally the older you are the higher your blood pressure is likely to be.

Blood Pressure Prehypertension

If more than one test indicates that you have a blood pressure reading of between 120/80 and 139/89 you have what is called prehypertension. This means that you are at risk of developing hypertension. If you have prehypertension you should make certain lifestyle amendments in the interest of maintaining your health. For instance you should get down to a healthy weight, exercise more and avoid nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, saturated fats and sodium wherever possible.

Blood Pressure Hypertension

There are two stages of hypertension or high blood pressure. Stage one hypertension is a measurement between 140/90 and 159/99. There are various prescription medications that can be taken to correct the problem of stage one hypertension and the same lifestyle amendments that are used to treat prehypertension are necessary. People with hypertension are at increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysm, kidney failure and eye problems.

Stage two hypertension is a measurement of 160/100 or more. People who have elevated hypertension are at particularly high risk of the aforementioned health problems. They require rapid and aggressive medical treatment if they are to avoid having a massive heart attack or stroke.

Blood Pressure Hypotension

Hypotension is the term used to describe low blood pressure. A low measurement varies from one individual to the next. In other words, a person with a diastolic pressure of 60 may experience no adverse symptoms while the next individual may start to react badly if theirs reaches as low as 70. A severe case of hypotension is dangerous because it means that the oxygen and vital nutrients in the bloodstream are not reaching vital organs. This can cause organ damage or failure. In some extreme cases it can cause coma or death.

Hypotension has numerous potential causes including pregnancy, certain medications, blood loss, inadequate nutrition, dehydration and septicemia. You can reduce your risk of developing hypotension by eating a healthy diet with sufficient calories, vitamins and minerals and drinking plenty of water.

Tags: blood pressure, hypertension