Blood pressure is a measure of that pressure taken at two stages.  The higher number, called the systolic pressure, is the pressure exerted when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the vessels.  The lower number, called the diastolic pressure, is the pressure exerted when the heart relaxes between beats.

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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension contributes to nearly 1 million heart attacks each year. 

Reducing hypertension has been shown to lower the incidence of stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure.  

What is blood pressure?

Blood flowing through blood vessels creates a pressure against the vessel wall.   Blood pressure is a measure of that pressure taken at two stages.  The higher number, called the systolic pressure, is the pressure exerted when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the vessels.  The lower number, called the diastolic pressure, is the pressure exerted when the heart relaxes between beats.  Blood pressure rises when blood vessels become narrow and hard, leaving less room for blood to flow.  The heart has to work harder to move the blood.

An optimal blood pressure reading is: 120 systolic/80 diastolic.

What are the classifications of blood pressure?

Optimal (good)	120/80
Normal	less than 130/85
High normal	130-139/85-89  People in this range are at high risk for developing hypertension. Try to change your diet and exercise first. If this doesn't work, see your doctor.
Hypertension	140-209/ 90-119
Very severe Hypertension	209-above/ 119-above

Blood pressure readings are not always the same.  They vary depending on physical activity, emotional state and other factors.   If your blood pressure reading is high for a long period of time though, it becomes a medical concern.

What are the dangers of high blood pressure?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause complications in several bodily organs, including the heart, blood vessels, brain, nerves, kidneys and retinas (eyes).

1. Enlargement of the heart:   When blood vessels are damaged, the heart must strain to meet the body's need for blood and the oxygen that blood carries. Over time, the heart will become enlarged and weak, leading to heart failure.

2. Atherosclerosis:   High blood pressure can damage the inner linings of the arteries, creating rough areas where fatty deposits can build up.  This condition is called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.  When the arteries harden, it is harder for the body to regulate blood pressure.

3. Stroke:   High blood pressure can damage vessels that supply blood to the brain.  Damaged blood vessels can disrupt the flow of blood to the brain, causing a stroke.

4. Coronary heart disease (CHD): Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked. Hypertension is a CHD risk factor.

5. Kidney damage and failure: High blood pressure for a long time can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure.       

6. Eye damage: High blood pressure for a long time can damage blood vessels on the retina, eventually leading to blindness if untreated.

What are some hypertension risk factors?

1. Aging: About 52% of Americans in their 60s' have high blood pressure.

2. Family history:   If one or both your parents have high blood pressure, you have a greater chance of becoming hypertensive.

3. Race: African-Americans have about twice the risk of developing hypertension than do Caucasians.

4. Overweight or obese individuals: Overweight or obese individuals have a higher risk of becoming hypertensive as individuals at a healthy body weight.

What can you do?

1.  Have your blood pressure measured by a health professional every two years.

2. Keep your blood pressure under control: Less than 140/90.

3. If you have hypertension, take medication prescribed by your doctor, maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, cut down on salt and quit smoking.