High blood pressure
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries, and it rises and falls during the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it's called high blood pressure or, to coin the medical term, hypertension.
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first- and third-leading causes of death among Americans. High blood pressure can also lead to other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness.
High blood pressure is common. About 65 million American adults—nearly 1 in 3—have high blood pressure. It is very common in African Americans, who may get it earlier in life and more often than whites. Many Americans tend to develop high blood pressure as they get older, but that doesn't mean it's a part of healthy aging. Middle-aged Americans face a 90% chance of developing high blood pressure during their lives. Others at risk for developing high blood pressure are the overweight, those with a family history of high blood pressure, and those with prehypertension (120–139/80–89 mmHg).
High blood pressure often has no warning signs or symptoms, and once it develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. You can prevent and control high blood pressure by taking action, and the first step is to be tested to determine your current levels and status.
Testing and healthy levels
Having your blood pressure tested is quick and easy. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers—the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). The measurement is written one above or before the other, with the systolic number on top and the diastolic number on the bottom. For example, a blood pressure measurement of 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is expressed verbally as "120 over 80."
Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. A blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high. About two-thirds of people over age 65 have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then you have prehypertension. This means that you don't have high blood pressure now but are likely to develop it in the future. You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Tips for having your blood pressure taken
- Don't drink coffee or smoke cigarettes 30 minutes before having your blood pressure measured.
- Before the test, sit for five minutes with your back supported and your feet flat on the ground. Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart.
- Wear short sleeves so your arm is exposed.
- Go to the bathroom prior to the reading. A full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
- Get two readings, taken at least two minutes apart, and average the results.
- Ask the doctor or nurse to tell you the blood pressure reading in numbers.
Prevention
You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle . These steps include maintaining a healthy weight ; being physically active; following a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods; choosing and preparing foods with less salt and sodium; avoiding tobacco products; and, if you drink alcoholic beverages, drinking in moderation.