Information on High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a very serious condition that has the potential to cause a variety of health problems. Prescription medication, good nutrition and exercise are used to treat the illness.

Background

• Blood pressure is determined by the amount of force the heart uses to pump blood throughout the body. The force of the pumping of blood causes blood pressure to rise and possibly damage the lining of the arteries.

Symptoms

• Roughly one in three Americans suffer from high blood pressure, and many of them are unaware that they have the condition. High blood pressure is asymptomatic, but if left untreated it can damage the heart, kidneys and blood vessels.

Blood Pressure Levels

• Blood pressure is determined by measuring systolic (top) number and diastolic (bottom) number. If the systolic number exceeds 140 or the diastolic number exceeds 90, you are at the first stage of hypertension.

Race

• African Americans have a higher risk than whites of developing high blood pressure. Therefore, African Americans are more likely to suffer strokes and heart attacks.

Additional Risks

• Blood pressure tends to increase with age and it is more common in men. It tends to affect overweight people, smokers, heavy alcohol drinkers, people with high sodium or low potassium diets and those that lead sedentary lifestyles.