Blood pressure is defined as the force blood exerts on the walls of the arteries when the heart beats. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, results when this pressure rises and remains elevated. Over time, high blood pressure can cause organ damage, heart disease, stroke and heart attack.
Hypertension does not usually have symptoms, therefore, it is often called the “silent killer.” According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, “About 1 in 3 adults in the United States has high blood pressure.”
Causes
Hypertension is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary, which comprises 90-95 percent of all cases, has no known cause. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, scientists believe this type of high blood pressure is due to a combination of factors.
Secondary hypertension is caused by certain medications or an underlying condition or disease.
Blood Pressure Numbers
Blood pressure readings are reported as two numbers, one on top of the other. The top number is the systolic pressure, when the heart contracts, and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure, when the heart relaxes.
Blood pressure readings, defined by Medline Plus, are:
• Normal: Below 120/80
• Pre-hypertension if :
o Systolic is between 120 and 139
o Diastolic is between 80 and 89
• Hypertension:
o Systolic is 140 or above
o Diastolic is 90 or above
Monitoring
Monitoring blood pressure is an important part of preventing and controlling hypertension and should be performed by a trained medical professional. According to Dr. Sheps from the Mayo Clinic, free machines at grocery stores and pharmacies may not be accurate because the cuff size is not appropriate for everyone. Additionally, information on the upkeep and calibration of the machines is usually not available in order to verify the machines are working properly. If frequent monitoring is necessary, a doctor can provide training for at-home blood pressure measurement.
Risk Factors
According to the American Heart Association, several factors can increase the risk of developing hypertension:
• Family history
• Age 55 and older for men and 65 and older for women
• Lack of physical activity
• Poor diet
• Overweight and obesity
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Stress
• Smoking and second hand smoke
Risk factors for secondary hypertension include:
• Kidney disorders
• Structural defects in the heart
• Narrow arteries
Prevention and Control
Based on the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, lifestyle changes have been documented as the primary prevention and control of hypertension. These include:
• Losing weight if overweight
• Limiting alcohol
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Eating a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium
• Increasing exercise
• Quitting smoking
