Hypertension and Blood Pressure Explained

Many people believe that hypertension, or high blood pressure, is sorta easy to diagnose, and even easier to treat. Nothing could be further from the truth. On occasions, even highly-experienced physicians may fail to effectively treat all of the complexities surrounding hypertension.

Blood Pressure numbers. What do they mean?

A normal (textbook) blood pressure is 120/80. The systolic reading or top number of 130 to 139 and a diastolic reading or bottom number of 85 to 89 has been proven to cause artery damage.

Systolic pressure is defined by cardiologist and emeritus professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota, Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D., as “the force generated when the heart’s main pumping chamber contracts.” Diastolic pressure is that “which occurs between these contractions.” Systolic pressure is just as important as diastolic pressure.

Even mild hypertension needs treatment

Any increase, however slight, in blood pressure needs to be lowered, either with the use of medications or by making a few changes to your lifestyle such as regular exercise. Joining a walking group is a great way to ease your way into exercising. Many find that companionship while walking often leads to more enjoyable, and subsequently more consistent, walks.

Pulse pressure may predict heart disease a bit more accurately

Many researchers believe that pulse pressure is a greater indicator than systolic pressure in determining long-term cardiac health risk. Pulse pressure is defined as the numerical difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. A pulse pressure below 50 indicates that the body’s arteries are healthy and elastic. When the arteries are stiff, brittle and inelastic, systolic pressure rises and diastolic pressure falls. This situation causes pulse pressure to increase to 60 or greater.

Advice from the professionals

People who regularly have their blood pressure checked at home tend to control their hypertension more efficiently than those that only receive a report from their primary care physician (PCP).

The government’s website, healthfinder.gov informs us, “By taking steps to lower your blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Lowering your blood pressure can also help you live a longer, healthier life.” The website also recommends checking your blood pressure every two years beginning at age 18. For adults 40 and over, check your blood pressure more frequently.

Read more from this contributor:

“Five Tips for Reducing Fat from Your Diet”
“Which Vitamins are Fat-Soluble?”
“Secrets to a Great Walking Group”
“Helpful Tips for Taking Medication”

Sources:

Mayo Clinical Staff, “High blood pressure (hypertension)”; Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinical Staff, “Blood pressure chart: What your reading means”; Mayo Clinic
Healthfinder.gov, “Maintaining Blood Pressure Health”


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