High blood pressure is also known as hypertension, or the silent killer. Silent, since there are little or no warning signs of this disease. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke and permanent kidney damage. According to 2010 information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure.
Defining Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries. There are two values in a blood pressure reading. The top number, or systolic, is the pressure exerted on the artery walls when the heart is contracting, or pushing blood forward. The bottom number, or diastolic reading, correlates to the pressure on the artery walls in between beats, or when the heart is relaxed. When blood pressure is elevated, it damages the linings of the blood vessels, as well as organs like the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.
Diagnosis of Hypertension
A recommended blood pressure reading is at or below 120/80. Hypertension is diagnosed when systolic is above 140 and/or diastolic is above 90, on two consecutive readings. If blood pressure creeps up to 130/85, your healthcare provider should recommend certain lifestyle modifications.If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90, you may be a candidate for medication. Low blood pressure is desirable, as long as it is not low enough to cause symptoms like fainting and dizziness, or damage organs in the body.
Causes of Hypertension
There are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Some are uncontrollable, like advanced age and family history. There are also a number of behavioral risk factors that contribute to high blood pressure ranging from physical inactivity, to smoking or use of stimulants, to a stressful lifestyle. These same risks, once addressed, can actually reverse hypertension in many adults.
Lifestyle Interventions Can Reduce Blood Pressure
Thirty minutes of regular exercise, most days of the week, can reduce blood pressure. It is also important to lose weight if necessary. Even a 10 percent weight reduction will help regulate blood pressure. Don’t smoke, and if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. The DASH diet has proven to be effective at reducing blood pressure. It is rich in fruits and vegetables with a suggested sodium intake of less than 2,300 mg per day. Avoid fast foods and processed foods since these are the major sodium contributors in the American diet. It is also important to manage your stress appropriately. Regular meditation or yoga can help support a healthy blood pressure.
Small Reductions Produce Big Benefits
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, even a three-point drop in an elevated systolic blood pressure can reduce the chance of stroke by 11 percent and coronary events by seven percent. Overall, this moderate reduction can result in five percent fewer deaths. Regular self-monitoring is recommended for those with hypertension since it may contribute to better control of blood pressure.
