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Blood Pressure |
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High
Blood Pressure
By Josh
Riverside |
| High blood pressure, also known
as hypertension, is measured in numbers based on the systolic and
diastolic pressures of the blood. Systolic pressure measures the force in
the arteries when the heart beats, while the diastolic pressure measures
this force when the heart is at rest or relaxed. These measurements are
shown in sequence from top to bottom – the systolic pressure measurement
on top and the diastolic pressure measurement at the bottom.
A small, portable instrument called a blood
pressure cuff or sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure. This
consists of an air pump, a pressure gauge, and a rubber cuff and measures
the blood pressure in units called millimeters of mercury. If your reading
is 110/70, you don’t have to worry because it is a healthy blood
pressure. But if it is greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic
pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure, it means
you have a high blood pressure, and you should seek medical attention. |
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What causes hypertension? For more than 90%
of people with high blood pressure, the cause is unidentifiable. This is
referred to as primary or essential hypertension. A secondary
hypertension, on the other hand, has underlying causes that include
diseases in the arteries, chronic kidney diseases, chronic alcohol abuse,
hormonal disturbances and preeclampsia. Certain medications such as
over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants can cause secondary
hypertension.
Many people do not take high blood pressure seriously. But little do they
know that this is dangerous, because it causes the heart to work extra
hard. You should be aware that the more blood your heart pumps and the
narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure will be. And once
this becomes uncontrollable, you increase your risk of serious health
problems such as heart attacks and stroke. So, why let this happen if you
can do something about it? Only a simple test is needed to detect high
blood pressure. Once you know your condition, work with your doctors to
control it. |
| High
Blood Pressure provides detailed
information on High Blood Pressure, High Blood Pressure Symptoms, High
Blood Pressure Treatments, High Blood Pressure Medications and more. High
Blood Pressure is affiliated with Discount
Hearing Aids. |
| Home > Books
> Lifestyle > Health
> Health Articles > High
Blood Pressure |
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