What Is Blood Pressure And How Does It Affect Me?
The force that is applied to the walls of the arteries by the blood as it passes into and out of the heart is called blood pressure
. Blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day, but when it rises and does not come back down it is referred to as high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Since hypertension generally has no signs or symptoms, individuals may have it for years without knowing. Unfortunately, when they do find out, it is the result of being diagnosed with health problems brought about by the untreated hypertension. These health problems can be deadly which is why doctors and health care professionals stress that everyone should have their pressure taken on a regular basis.
How Do People Measure Their Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is measured in mmHg, or millimeters of mercury and the measurement is broken up into two different classifications. The systolic number (or the top number) is used to measure how much pressure is being put on the walls of the arteries as the heart beats and blood flows through. The diastolic number (or bottom number) measures how much pressure is put on the artery walls when the heart is resting between the beats.
When an individual asks the question "What is blood pressure?", the short answer is the different numerical ranges of blood pressure. When people refer to a "normal" blood pressure reading, they are referring to a reading that is under 120/80 (one twenty over eighty). A pre-hypertensive reading is considered to be between 120/80 and 139/89. When a person has a pre-hypertensive diagnosis, they are typically advised to make some changes in their life that will lead to a lower blood pressure. This may mean using certain interventions or changing lifestyle patterns in order to achieve that goal. When detected early, making some smaller changes can stop the progression of pre-hypertension into a diagnosis of "hypertension", which is a permanent addition to an individual's medical record. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure (140/90 or above), you are beyond the point of preventing this medical condition and are now into finding a way to control it. There are two stages of high blood pressure. Blood pressure in the range of 140/90 to 159/99 is considered to be stage one. Blood pressure that is at or above 160/100 is considered stage two. These particular stages are used for anyone eighteen years of age and above.
High blood pressure may be called by other names, some of which are listed below:
1. If there is no known cause for the high blood pressure it is called primary hypertension, essential hypertension, or idiopathic hypertension.
2. If some other medical condition is causing the hypertension then it is often referred to as secondary high blood pressure or secondary hypertension.
3. Older individuals frequently have a high systolic number (top) and normal diastolic number (bottom), this is referred to as isolated systolic hypertension, or ISH. Although the diastolic number may be normal, ISH is very dangerous and should be treated immediately.
Blood Pressure Exceptions:
1. Some diseases, like diabetes and kidney disease have exceptions to the high blood pressure range. High blood pressure in patients that have these health conditions begins at 130/80 mmHg.
2. The high blood pressure ranges for children are different from that of adults; however, the test is the same as for adults. Children should begin having their pressure checked starting at 3 years of age. To determine if the child has a problem, the physician will do a comparison of the child's numbers to the average numbers of other children who are the same height, gender, and age so as the child ages, the blood pressure numbers will change along with them.
3. Some women have problems with their blood pressure when they take birth control pills, become pregnant, or when they begin treatment for hormone replacement. It is a known fact that blood pressure can become elevated when a woman uses birth control, so it is very important to discuss the specific problems about blood pressure with the doctor prior to taking the pill. It is important to have blood pressure taken on a regular basis while on any type of birth control.
4. Using hormones to cut down on the symptoms of menopause is common, but the hormones can also cause systolic blood pressure numbers to rise. It is suggested that prior to taking any hormones, the benefits and risks should be reviewed with the physician and a decision made as to how blood pressure will be controlled, if the need arises.
There are statistics available that prove that out of every three adults in the United States, one has trouble with high blood pressure. This shows exactly how bad this medical concern has become. Getting your blood pressure tested is very simple and involves no pain. You can have it checked at a clinic, in the doctor's office, and even in a grocery store or pharmacy that has the machine available for their patrons. If you are embarrassed about taking your blood pressure in public, then you should consider purchasing a blood pressure machine to use at home. Check with the doctor or the pharmacist and they can recommend a reliable product and can also teach you how to use it properly.
There are some suggestions that should be followed for the test to be as accurate as possible:
1. Be sure to empty your bladder prior to taking the test since this can affect the reading.
2. Drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes can elevate blood pressure temporarily - wait 30 minutes before taking the test.
3. Prior to taking the test you should place your feet flat on the floor, lean back against the back of the chair and rest for five minutes.
It is critical to know if you have high blood pressure. If you do, it is important to take steps to control it either with lifestyle changes, medications or other coping mechanisms.
High blood pressure is not fatal; however, it is responsible for a number of health problems that can be fatal such as strokes, heart attack, and kidney disease. Sadly, even if you survive, the quality of your life might be impaired forever not to mention the possibility of financial ruin.
by: Therese B
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