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December 24, 2011

What Exactly Is High Blood Pressure?

By Paige Thompson


Do you know what it means when you are told that you have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or hypertension is the rise in pressure from exerted by the circulating blood on the arterial walls because of stress and physical activity. When the pressure is high for extended periods of time, your heart and arteries would be affected, and you'd be more likely to be a victim of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Blood Pressure Measurement

The blood pressure is recorded by the two values called systolic (the pressure of the blood when it enters the aorta from the heart) and diastolic (the pressure of the blood when the ventricles relax between heartbeats). It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm hg). A person has hypertension if his systolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140 mmHg, or if his diastolic pressure is greater than or equal to 90 mmHg. But be aware that a blood pressure of more than 140/90 is very and is considered abnormal no matter the stage.

The Effects Of Hypertension

Hypertension mainly causes the development of coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Hence, we can realize the fact that High Blood Pressure can easily play with the lives of man.

Can it Happen to Me?

High Blood Pressure can occur to both children as well as adults. However, people above 35 years of age, have a greater chance of being attacked by High Blood Pressure. It is mostly common in African-Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers, and women who take birth control pills. People suffering from diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney diseases are also prone to High Blood Pressure.

Do Genes Have Anything To Do With It?

Hypertension does run in families. So if your parents have a history of high blood pressure, try to keep an eye on your pressure. It may arise due to your genes.

Hypertension may also be caused by stress. Try to lessen stress if you already have a genetic background for hypertension. You should exercise regularly and eat a proper diet. You should take care that your blood pressure will not rise and monitor it regularly.




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