What is blood pressure?
Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the vessels. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. The higher the pressure in blood vessels the harder the heart has to work in order to pump blood.
How is blood pressure defined
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and is recorded as two numbers usually written one above the other. The upper number is the systolic blood pressure -the highest pressure in blood vessels and happens when the heart contracts, or beats. The lower number is the diastolic blood pressure -the lowest pressure in blood vessels in between heartbeats when the heart muscle relaxes. Normal adult blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 120 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg.
Causes of blood pressure
Here are very common causes -
Symptoms of blood pressure
Most hypertensive people have no symptoms at all. Sometimes hypertension causes symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations of the heart and nose bleeds. Hypertension is a serious warning sign that significant lifestyle changes are required.
Detection and treatment
Early detection of hypertension can minimize the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. Various digital machines are available in market to measure BP at home. For some people, lifestyle changes are not sufficient for controlling blood pressure and prescription medication is needed.
Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the vessels. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. The higher the pressure in blood vessels the harder the heart has to work in order to pump blood.
How is blood pressure defined
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and is recorded as two numbers usually written one above the other. The upper number is the systolic blood pressure -the highest pressure in blood vessels and happens when the heart contracts, or beats. The lower number is the diastolic blood pressure -the lowest pressure in blood vessels in between heartbeats when the heart muscle relaxes. Normal adult blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 120 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg.
Causes of blood pressure
Here are very common causes -
- Consuming food with high salt level,
- Consuming fatty foods,
- Excessive consumption alcohol,
- Lack of exercise and physical activities,
- Poor stress management.
Symptoms of blood pressure
Most hypertensive people have no symptoms at all. Sometimes hypertension causes symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations of the heart and nose bleeds. Hypertension is a serious warning sign that significant lifestyle changes are required.
Detection and treatment
Early detection of hypertension can minimize the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. Various digital machines are available in market to measure BP at home. For some people, lifestyle changes are not sufficient for controlling blood pressure and prescription medication is needed.
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