5 Things You Need to Know About Hypertension

1. What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the measurement of pressure exerted on the inside of the arteries at two different times. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure within the arteries when the heart is contracted or during a beat, and diastolic is the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. Blood pressure measurements are written with the systolic above the diastolic, such as 120/80. Normal blood pressure is below 120 and below 80.

2. How is Hypertension Diagnosed?
Hypertension occurs when the pressures become elevated, but the diagnosis of hypertension requires at least three measurements at different times. These measurements should be done manually, with a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. Prehypertension is systolic pressures between 120 and 140 and diastolic between 80 and 99. High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressures over 140 and diastolic over 90.

3. How is Hypertension Treated?
High blood pressure treatment begins with lifestyle modifications including weight loss (if overweight), dietary changes (decreasing sodium and alcohol intake), regular aerobic exercise and stopping smoking. When these changes are not enough, antihypertensive medications are required. There are different medication classes and your health status and other diseases will dictate which medications would be best for you. For example, a diabetic should be on an ACE inhibitor and someone with heart disease may need a beta-blocker (whereas someone with asthma should not be on a beta-blocker).

4. What are the Complications of Untreated Hypertension?
Untreated hypertension is like leaving a high pressure hose on delicate flowers; it causes organ damage and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure. It is extremely important that you take the proper steps to control your blood pressure and monitor the blood pressure at home.

5. How is Hypertension Prevented?
High blood pressure prevention requires avoiding the risk factors. Individuals at jeopardy of developing hypertension should exercise, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, avoid high sodium processed foods, reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, and eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish.