Hypertension

What is High Blood Pressure/Hypertension?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it's called high blood pressure.

The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke and can also result in other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness.

A blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high. About two-thirds of people over age 65 have high blood pressure. Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called pre-hypertension, meaning you are likely to develop high blood pressure in the future if lifestyle changes are not made. High blood pressure is a condition that most people will have at some point in their lives - people who do not have high blood pressure at age 55 still have a 90 percent chance of developing it during their lifetime.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two numbers - systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). Both numbers are important, but for people age 50 and older systolic pressure gives the most accurate diagnosis of high blood pressure. A blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHG and above is considered high.

There are several things that you can do to prevent high blood pressure, or, if you already have high blood pressure, to lower it. The following steps will help you on your way to a safe blood pressure reading and healthy lifestyle.

1. Maintain a healthy weight
Check with your health care provider to see if you need to lose weight.
If you do, lose weight slowly using a healthy eating plan and engaging in physical activity.

2. Be physically active
Engage in physical activity for a total of 30 minutes on most days of the week.
Combine everyday chores with moderate-level sporting activities, such as walking, to achieve your physical activity goals.

3. Follow a healthy eating plan
Set up a healthy eating plan with foods low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods. Write down everything that you eat and drink in a food diary. Note areas that are successful or need improvement. If you are trying to lose weight, choose an eating plan that is lower in calories.

4. Reduce sodium in your diet
Choose foods that are low in salt and other forms of sodium. Use spices, garlic, and onions to add flavor to your meals without adding more sodium.

5. Drink alcohol only in moderation
In addition to raising blood pressure, too much alcohol can add unneeded calories to your diet. If you drink alcoholic beverages, have only a moderate amount - one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.

6. Take prescribed drugs as directed
If you need drugs to help lower your blood pressure, you still must follow the lifestyle changes mentioned above. Use notes and other reminders to help you remember to take your drugs. Ask your family to help you with reminder phone calls and messages.

Remember - You CAN Do It!

Source: National, Heart, Lung and Blood Institute