Living With High Blood Pressure
What is blood pressure?
As blood is pumped through the body, it exerts a force against the inside walls of the arteries. This force is called blood pressure.
How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. It is recorded as two numbers written one over the other. The top number shows the maximum pressure against the walls of the arteries when the heart is pumping. This is the systolic pressure. The bottom number shows the minimum pressure against the walls of the arteries when the heart is resting. This is the diastolic pressure.
What is the measurement for normal blood pressure?
Blood pressure changes constantly during the day according to your body's needs. It will rise when you are exercising, for example, and drop when you are resting. Normal blood pressure is below 140/90. Your blood pressure should be measured several times to determine your average blood pressure.
When does blood pressure become high blood pressure?
Blood pressure rises when the blood presses against the walls of the arteries with too much force. If your blood pressure rises too high and remains there, then you may have high blood pressure, or hypertension. In most cases, a reading of 140/90 or above is considered high blood pressure. Depending on your age and/or health condition, your doctor may use a different blood pressure range.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Many people have high blood pressure without even knowing it. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly.
|
