Define High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a very serious condition affecting millions of Americans. High blood pressure can potentially lead to more dangerous disorders such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Treatments for high blood pressure include medication and lifestyle changes.

Normal Pressure

• Normal blood pressure is generated by the beating of the heart and between heart beats. This pressure serves to push oxygen-carrying blood through the veins and arteries to various organs.

Increased Pressure

• When the pressure exerted upon the veins and arteries remains excessively high for a long period of time, their walls will begin to stretch.

High Pressure

• Veins and arteries that are stretched beyond capacity may become weak, scarred, narrow or blocked. Consequently, your risk of developing blood clots, plaque build-up and damage to tissues and organs may increase.

Detection

• Doctors diagnose high blood pressure using an instrument known as a sphygmomanometer. They use this instrument to determine an individual's blood-pressure reading.

Pressure Reading

• Blood-pressure readings involve two measurements. The systolic number indicates the pressure created by the heart beat. The diastolic number indicates the pressure generated between heart beats.