What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when too much force is applied to blood vessel walls by the blood that the heart pumps around the body.
Blood pressure affects blood flow to the organs. High blood pressure is cause for concern as it can damage the arteries over the long-term, and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and heart failure.
Most people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms, which is why it is important to regularly check blood pressure and know the measurements that are normal for you.
Five steps to check your blood pressure.
You can monitor your own blood pressure using a manual or digital monitor.
1. Locate your pulse by lightly pressing your index and middle fingers slightly to the inside centre of the bend of your elbow. This is where you will find the brachial artery.
2. Secure the cuff by threading the cuff end through the metal loop and slide the cuff onto your left arm, ensuring you sit straight.
3. Inflate and deflate the cuff as determined by the monitor you are using (manual or digital). Sit quietly while the reading is in progress.
4. It is recommended you measure your blood pressure at the same time each day, and record in a log.
5. Record the reading. Systolic pressure appears on the left/top and diastolic pressure on the right/bottom.
Systolic and diastolic pressure
Blood pressure is a measurement taken of systolic pressure over diastolic pressure, given as one number over the other, e.g., 120/80.
The top, larger number – systolic pressure – measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).
The bottom, smaller number – diastolic pressure – measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle relaxes between beats).
Both pressures are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
Blood pressure readings
Blood pressure changes to meet the body’s needs, and what is considered a healthy blood pressure can vary among people. Your doctor can advise you for your individual circumstances.
Optimal blood pressure: less than 120/less than 80
Normal blood pressure: 120–129/80–84
Normal to high blood pressure: 130–139/85–89
High blood pressure: anything greater than 140/90
People can also have low blood pressure (hypotension). Blood pressure is generally considered low if it is below 90/60, although this can vary among individuals. It can be a sign of good health in some people – generally those who are very fit and have a slow pulse. Low blood pressure is only a problem if it has a negative impact on the body or affects the way a person feels.
The risk
Generally, there is no single cause of high blood pressure, although there are several linked risk factors.
Factors that cannot be changed include:
Family history: high blood pressure can run in the family.
Age: as people get older, blood pressure can rise
Gender: men are more likely than women to have high blood pressure.
Some factors that could be controlled through lifestyle changes include:
· Being overweight
· High alcohol intake
· Smoking
· Diabetes
· Inactivity and lack of exercise
· High salt intake.
Taking charge of these risk factors could help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. Lowering blood pressure through diet and participating in an exercise program could all help.