High blood pressure simply means that the blood circulates in the arteries at a higher than normal pressure. Blood pressure measurement is achieved by applying a cuff used in measuring blood pressure around one’s arm and inflating it. If one is tested for blood pressure twice and it is found to be high, they are diagnosed as having HBP, or hypertension. Blood pressure is checked about once in two years in adults. For those under medication, blood pressure is checked at every visit to the doctor’s office, to ensure that medication is working as intended.
Prevention and Control
High blood pressure develops in damaged blood vessels as well as the heart. Following this damage, risk is increased for heart disease, kidney problems, and strokes. Frequent hypertension checks should be scheduled because high blood pressure does not have any outwardly seen symptoms. Lowering the risks of
acquiring this condition therefore is the safest method of avoiding it, and lifestyle changes are the best way to do this. Lifestyle changes include not using any tobacco products such as cigarettes, attempting relaxation techniques, avoiding foods laden with cholesterol, eating foods comprised of adequate magnesium, calcium, and potassium, limiting alcohol intake, limiting sodium (typically salt) intake, engaging in exercises of moderate intensity for half an hour to an hour, four to seven days a week, and losing excess weight. Stress reduction is also an important aspect of blood pressure reduction. Biofeedback or relaxation techniques should be attempted everyday, or as much as possible.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Typical blood pressure readings are about 120/80 and lower while hypertension gives readouts of 140/90 and above. Anything in between these readings is known as pre-hypertension. The first digits are blood pressure that is systolic, meaning the highest blood pressure at the point when the heart is pumping blood out. The second digits after the slash are blood pressure that is diastolic, meaning the pressure when the heart is being filled up with blood in between beats.
Treatment
Blood pressure can also be treated using medication, known as anti-hypertensive medicines. These medicines are taken to lower blood pressure to levels that are considered normal. The different types include diuretics, beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, ACE inhibitors, blockers of calcium channels, and combinations (blockers of calcium channels and ACE inhibitors). These medicines carry some side effects, depending on the medicine and the person. These can include headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, and sleeping problems.