Patient Education: Blood Pressure

High blood pressure occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing against the blood vessel walls, in your body, is above the normal range. It is also known as hypertension. It is written in two sets of numbers, as an example, 120/70. The first number is the systolic reading, which is the pressure when the heart is beating. The second number is the diastolic number, the pressure when the heart is resting. High blood pressure occurs when the systolic reading, the first number, is elevated above 140 or higher and/or the diastolic reading, the second number, is 90 or above.

The causes of high blood pressure are not exactly known. It cannot be cured but it can be controlled with changes of lifestyle and medicine prescribed by your doctor. Almost 1 out of 4 Americans have high blood pressure and most of them don't know that they have it. High blood pressure doesn't have any signs and that is why it is so dangerous.

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Who is at risk for High Blood Pressure?

People who are at risk for high blood pressure usually have one or more of the following factors:

• Close relatives with high blood pressure
• African-American
• Over 35 years of age
• Overweight
• Excessive use of salt in food
• Alcohol consumption
• Women using oral contraceptives
• Physically inactive
• Pregnant women

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How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

Usually you cannot tell if you have high blood pressure. You can get blood pressure readings during your physical exam.

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What can happen to me if I don't treat my high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a serious condition.  If you do not treat it, you may experience heart failure, kidney failure, a heart attack,  stroke or death.

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How can I control my high blood pressure?

There are several things that you do to reduce your blood pressure.

• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt and fat
• Limit your alcohol to no more than two drinks a day
• Become physically active
• Take the medicine your doctor prescribes for you
• Know what your blood pressure should be and work to keep it at that level