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High blood pressure, also called Hypertension, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.  In other words, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is consistently too high.   Over time, high blood pressure can cause blood vessel damage that leads to heart disease, kidney failure, and other health challenges.  The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure will be. 

 

Hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 140/90 and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120.  The top (first) number is the systolic pressure (the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats) and the bottom (second) number is the diastolic pressure (the pressure in your arteries between your heart beats). 

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There are usually no symptoms of high blood pressure, so it is best to get a physical examination every year by your primary doctor, so that you can monitor your blood pressure.  Untreated hypertension can cause health problems such as heart disease, stroke or heart attack.  Taking prescribed medication, regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, limit alcohol intake, cut back on caffeine, quit smoking, reduce stress, and use less salt on your food can help treat hypertension.  Although, there are sometimes no symptoms, some people with high blood pressure can experience tightness in the chest, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and dizziness.   If you experience any of those symptoms call 911 for emergencies.  

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For more information about heart disease visit 

www.heart.org. 

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By Dietra Myers