What Is High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the forces in the bodies’ arteries when the heart beats and when the heart is at rest. Systolic pressure is when the heart beats and diastolic pressure is when it is at rest. Blood pressure is measures in millimeters of mercury. When taken the systolic number is always written on top of the diastolic number.
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension and is often found only in adults. The measurement of high blood pressure is greater or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.
If after one reading you are told that you have high blood pressure you should not panic – but should try to fix your diet and learn to exercise and eat much healthier foods. Also try to reduce the amount of stress that is in your life. If you continue to have high blood pressure you might need to go on prescribed medication.
High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, especially along with other risk factors. High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it’s more common among people over 35. It’s particularly prevalent in blacks, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women who are taking birth control pills. It may run in families, but many people with a strong family history of high blood pressure never have it. People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are also more likely to have hypertension.