How To Fight High Blood Pressure And Increase Your Odds Of Survival

By Author: Darrin Reservitz
Total Articles: 47
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Hypertension, or, as it's more often called, high blood pressure, doesn't discriminate. Millions of Americans are victim to it. But, and this is problematic, many aren't that educated on this issue. What causes high blood pressure? What are hypertension symptoms? How is it diagnosed? Is high blood pressure really a threat to my health? This piece will help answer these questions and start you up the ladder of blood pressure knowledge and a healthy lifestyle.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is what it sounds like: the pressure given off by blood as it propels through the body. Blood pressure numbers look like those fractions you studied in elementary school. For example, take 120/80. If you're at all familiar with blood pressure, you probably recognize the word systolic, which is represented here by 120. Despite its ominous sound, systolic is just the pressure given off as the heart pumps. On the bottom is 80. It's called diastolic. Diastolic is the opposite of systolic. It chronicles the pressure exerted between beats. High blood pressure occurs when these numbers are elevated ...
... and there's excess pressure. 140/90 and up is considered high blood pressure.

How Can I Tell if I Have High Blood Pressure?

A major problem with diagnosing blood pressure is that there are usually few hypertension symptoms. Consequently, around 30% of people who have hypertension don't know it. This why you must get your blood pressure measured, using validated blood pressure equipment, frequently. The good news? It's quick and without pain The medical technician places an inflatable band over your arm. He or she pumps it up and reads the pressure from a blood pressure meter. Actually, you may have seen a blood pressure machine in your local drug store.

Why Should High Blood Pressure Worry Me?

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels. Think about water going through a fire hose. If the water pressure is too great, it can harm the hose. The results of this can be dire. They include strokes, heart attacks, and harm to the kidneys. Hypertension can even mean death! That's why you need to be not only aware of high blood pressure, but also the causes of it so you can keep your pressure in check.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Stress is one of several high blood pressure causes. And, given our hectic work, social and family lives, stress, unfortunately, is a friend to many! In addition, sodium can contribute to hypertension. So can drinking and smoking. Also, fat can aid high blood pressure. Unfortunately, many of these high blood pressure causes accompany each other. In other words, the same people who are overweight often also, for example, consume foods high in sodium.

As you can see, high blood pressure causes are many. Further, this malady could affect you and should concern you given the risks to your health overall, your heart and your life. Thus, find out what your blood pressure is and read further for actions you can take to help lower it.