Blood Pressure

What is hypertension or high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of the blood on the artery (blood vessel) walls as the heart pumps blood through the body. Hypertension is the term for blood pressure that is consistently higher than normal. Normal blood pressure ranges up to 120/80 (“120 over 80”) but blood pressure can rise and fall with exercise, rest, or emotions. The pressures are measured in millimeters of mercury. The upper number (120) is the pressure when the heart pushes blood out to the rest of the body (systolic pressure). The bottom number (80) is the pressure when the heart rests between beats (diastolic pressure).

Why is it a problem?

When your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder just to pump a normal amount of blood through your body. The higher pressure in your arteries may cause them to weaken and bleed, resulting in a stroke. Over time, blood vessels may become hardened. This often occurs as people age. High blood pressure speeds this process.

What are the symptoms?

One of the surprising things about high blood pressure is that you can have it for a long time without symptoms. That’s why it is important for you have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.
If you do have symptoms, they may be:
Headaches
Getting tired easily
Dizziness
Nosebleeds
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Although it happens rarely, the first symptom may be a stroke.

How is it diagnosed?

Because it is such a common problem, blood pressure is checked at most health care visits. High blood pressure is usually discovered during one of these visits. If your blood pressure is high, you will be asked to return for follow-up checks. If your pressure stays high for 3 visits, you probably have hypertension.

How is it treated?

If your blood pressure is above normal you may be able to bring it down to a normal level without medicine in the initial stages. Weight loss, changes in your diet, and exercise may be the only treatment you need. If you also have diabetes, you may need additional treatment. If these lifestyle changes do not lower your blood pressure enough, you may be prescribed medicine.