When we talk about blood pressure, mean pressure generated by the heart and promote blood
into the arteries. Once the heart sends blood (systole), gives the systolic pressure (the
great). The next time the heart relaxes and fills with blood (diastole). Then comes the
diastolic pressure (the low). So both these two pressures are the heart and increases when it
is equally harmful.
What is Blood Pressure?
___ Blood pressure is the force blood exerts on the arteries, and pumped around the
body.
___ Blood pressure is variable and has fluctuated over the day. Physical activity, stress and
excitement can cause a temporary increase in your stress - this is very normal and is different
from a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
What is Normal Blood Pressure?
___ The ideal blood pressure is systolic pressure of 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure 80
mmHg, so 120/80 mmHg. However, your blood pressure depends on many factors such as age and
family history.
___ If your blood pressure is higher, there are many small changes you can make in diet and
lifestyle that will help you check it and bring it to more normal levels.
___ However, if you are worried about your blood pressure, please consult your doctor
first.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) occurs when the blood has persistent and
abnormally high pressure in the arteries and circulation. High blood pressure is defined as
systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure 90
mmHg or more. These values should be lower if you have diabetes or have multiple risk factors
for atherosclerosis.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
There are several reasons why you may develop high blood pressure:
___ Age - half of people over 60 have high blood pressure
___ Genetic differences - high blood pressure is sometimes hereditary, while blacks are more
likely to develop If you are overweight, have diabetes or kidney disease
___ Dietary factors, such as high salt intake and alcohol
The treatment of high blood pressure is one of the most important areas of modern medicine.
Quality care and treatment of blood pressure can reduce the risk of death, the risk of stroke
and the risk of heart attack or coronary disease. The British Hypertension Society produced
guidelines in 2004.
This is what recommends. Blood Pressure Measurement all adults should have a blood pressure
at least once every five years until the age of 80 - and more often thereafter. If blood
pressure reading is borderline or high then the frequency of inspections should be increased to
at least year.
Some people with suspected high blood pressure will need a twenty-four hours ambulatory
blood pressure monitoring blood pressure check. High Treatment Lifestyle measures should form
the initial basis of high blood pressure, loss treatment.
Exercise - walking is best - for thirty minutes three times a week can significantly lower
high blood pressure medicine levels. High blood pressure is a better choice than a physician
with full access to your medical history and examination of any other health problems you may
have. Most suffer from high blood pressure need more than one type of medicine to achieve good
control of blood pressure.