High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is high enough. This condition can cause coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and many other health problems. Knowing your blood pressure is important, even when you are feeling fine.
Blood Pressure Numbers
The blood pressure is measured as systolic and diastolic pressures. When the heart beats, it pushes blood through the arteries to the rest of the body and this is called systolic blood pressure. A normal systolic blood pressure is below 120. On the other hand, the diastolic blood pressure indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. A normal diastolic blood pressure number is less than 80.
Risk factors for developing hypertension:
- Age: Older people are at a higher risk of this condition. Blood vessels lose its flexibility with age, which causes the increased blood pressure
- No physical activity: If you are living an inactive lifestyle, then your chances of hypertension are high.
- Poor diet: Diet that is high in fats, calories, sugar and low in essential nutrients contributes directly to bad health and can even raise your blood pressure.
- Too much alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to stroke, heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
- Overweight: Being overweight increases the chances of developing hypertension.
How is blood pressure tested?
A blood pressure test is done at a doctor’s clinic. In order to measure it, your doctor will use some type of a gauge, blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. Mentioned below are some steps that are needed to be followed for test:
- You are not allowed to drink coffee or smoke half an hour prior to the test.
- You need to sit five minutes before the test as movement can change your blood pressure readings.
Treatment and drugs
For treating this condition, your doctor may recommend you a healthy diet with less salt and calories but sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough. In this case the doctor may recommend medicine to lower the blood pressure. Talking about drugs, some of the widely recommended and effective drugs include Diovan HCT and Norvasc, which should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.