Your heart act as pump to circulate blood around your body and help supply it with oxygen. Blood pressure is the force needed for the heart to push blood through the arteries. The highest pressure in this cycle is when the heart contracts, this is called the Systolic Blood Pressure.
Between contractions, the heart relaxes and blood flows into it since it is at its lowest pressure, which is called Diastolic Blood Pressure.
Both blood pressure readings, the systolic and diastolic, are necessary to enable a doctor to evaluate the status of a patient’s blood pressure.
What is normal blood Pressure?
Everyone has a different blood pressure, but the recognised upper values for normal blood pressure are: Systolic up to 140mmHg and Diastolic up to 90mmHg.
Facts about low sugar
The discovery that you have high blood pressure is more often than not a chance finding.
People with high blood pressure usually feel well and there may be no external signs or symptoms of the condition unless the blood pressure has been high for some time or complications may affect the heart, kidney, brain and other important organs. They may bring on ill health and affect your enjoyment of life.
It is because of these complications, rather than the high blood pressure itself, that this condition is taken so seriously today.
It is important to remember that the higher your blood pressure the higher the risk of heart disease or stroke.
High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as raised blood pressure, elevated blood pressure or hypertension.
Some people with this condition may require long term drug treatment, usually in the form of tablets. However, others can lower their blood pressure by other means such as changing their diet and lifestyle.
What causes high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is only classed as high if it does not go down when you rest.
Permanently raised blood pressure can be caused by several factors and is linked to other medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease. Your blood pressure is affected by your lifestyle and important contributing factors are:
• Being overweight
• Having a high cholesterol level
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Eating too much salt
• Not eating enough fruit and vegetables
• Not exercising enough
How can you reduce high blood pressure?
The good news is that while blood pressure can’t actually be cured, it can be treated.
Depending on your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication for you to take and you may be encouraged to make some changes to your lifestyle. These will assist the treatment and further reduce your blood pressure:
• Lose any excess weight and try to lower your cholesterol level by reducing the fat content in your diet. In particular, you should cut down on animal fats and eat, at least, five portions of fruit or vegetables per day.
• Don’t add salt to food
• Reduce and spread your alcohol intake.
• Take more exercise. (Please ask for medical advice first). This can help to lower your blood pressure and also help you to lose weight and reduce the amount of cholesterol in your blood.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking causes your arteries to narrow and it’s the biggest risk factor for having a heart attack.
• Measure your blood pressure regularly and keep a record of it.
• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medicines for you if your blood pressure is too high. Make sure you understand the dosage instructions and follow them exactly. If you have any questions ask your doctor or pharmacist.
