High blood pressure

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Tue, 27/05/2008 - 2:06pm

High blood pressure usually develops over time. As we age our blood pressure tends to increase as the blood vessels become less elastic.

Older people are also more likely to suffer from chronic diseases that damage the heart and blood vessels.

In this article;

What is high blood pressure?
What causes high blood pressure?
Effects of high blood pressure
Treatment of high blood pressure

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of the blood in the arterial walls. Blood pressure increases as the heart pumps more blood through narrowed arteries.

High blood pressure is generally indicated by a blood pressure reading over 140/90mmHg. The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension.

The Heart Foundation of Australia use the following as a guide only. Always have your blood pressure monitored by your doctor.

Normal blood pressure: generally less than 120/80mmHg (i.e. systolic blood pressure less than 120 and diastolic blood pressure less than 80mmHg)

Normal to high blood pressure: between 120/80 and 140/90mmHg.

High blood pressure: 140/90mmHg or higher. If your blood pressure is 180/110mmHg or higher, you have very high blood pressure.

Source Heart Foundation 2009

What causes high blood pressure?

The cause of high blood pressure is often difficult to detect. Sometimes there is no identifiable cause of high blood pressure.

High blood pressure usually occurs over many years without any noticeable side effects.

High blood pressure can be caused by an underlying health condition or a side effect from medication.

If you have a family history of high blood pressure your risk of hypertension will also increase.

The following factors can increase your risk of high blood pressure:

Inactivity
Stress
High alcohol intake
Obesity
Poor nutrition

Effects of high blood pressure

Consistent high blood pressure will force the heart to work harder and damage the blood vessels.

Over time untreated high blood pressure will damage the bodies organs including the heart, blood vessels and kidneys.

Hypertension is a major cause of atherosclerosis where fatty deposits or plaques build up in the lining of the arterial walls restricting blood flow.

People with high blood pressure are at increased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney and heart failure. High blood pressure can also increase your risk of dementia.

Treatment of high blood pressure

High blood pressure is often detected after a routine visit to the doctor.

Our blood pressure can change according to the time of day and our bodies needs. Your doctor will take a number of blood pressure readings on various occasions before diagnosing hypertension.

A number of other tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of high blood pressure and extent of damage to the heart and other organs. Some people may be referred to a specialist.

High blood pressure needs to be treated and controlled. The best person to help you manage high blood pressure is your doctor.

Many people can reduce their blood pressure by making lifestyle changes. These include:

Quitting smoking
Eating a nutritious diet (reducing salt and fat intake as directed by your doctor)
Increasing physical activity
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Limiting daily alcohol intake

People with uncontrolled high blood pressure may be prescribed medications to lower their blood pressure if lifestyle changes alone do not work.

A doctor may also recommend people with hypertension monitor their blood pressure at home. Regular check-ups are an important part of blood pressure management.

Digital blood pressure monitors now make taking a blood pressure reading at home relatively easy.

Anyone monitoring their blood pressure at home should take their blood pressure monitor to a doctor's surgery. Test the reading against a mercury sphygmomanometer regularly to ensure its accuracy.