High Blood Pressure

February 14, 2006 by Renee @ 09:47 AM

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Both numbers are important.

Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure. Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. The good news is that it can be treated and controlled.

High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms. Some people may not find out they have it until they have trouble with their heart, brain, or kidneys. When high blood pressure is not found and treated, it can cause:

The heart to get larger, which may lead to heart failure.
Small bulges (aneurysms) to form in blood vessels. Common locations are the main artery from the heart (aorta), arteries in the brain, legs, and intestines, and the artery leading to the spleen.
Blood vessels in the kidney to narrow, which may cause kidney failure.
Arteries throughout the body to "harden" faster, especially those in the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs. This can cause a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or amputation of part of the leg.
Blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed, which may cause vision changes and can result in blindness.

Who Gets High Blood Pressure?

About 65 million American adults--nearly 1 in 3--have high blood pressure.

In the U.S., high blood pressure occurs more often in African Americans. Compared to other groups, blacks:

Tend to get high blood pressure earlier in life

Usually have more severe high blood pressures

Have a higher death rate from stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.

Your chances of getting high blood pressure are also higher if you:

Are overweight

Are a man over the age of 45

Are a woman over the age of 55

Have a family history of high blood pressure

Have a "prehypertension (120-139/80-89)"

Other things that can raise blood pressure include:

Eating too much salt

Drinking too much alcohol

Not eating enough potassium

Not exercising

Taking certain medicines

Stress that is long-lasting

How is High Blood Pressure Treated?

Some people can prevent or control high blood pressure by changing to healthier habits, such as:

Eating healthy foods that include fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products

Cutting down on salt and sodium in the diet

Losing excess weight and staying at a healthy weight

Staying physically active (for example, walking 30 minutes a day)

Limiting alcohol intake.

Sometimes blood pressure stays too high even when a person makes these kinds of healthy changes. In that case, it is necessary to add medicine to help lower blood pressure. [source]

For your reading pleasure, some links on high blood pressure:
Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure
Test Your High Blood Pressure IQ
High blood pressure - Self-care