Blood pressure (BP) is pressure put on the artery walls by blood as it flows through the arteries.  A blood pressure reading is made up two numbers and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).  The top number is systolic pressure. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure.  Both numbers are important.  The ideal blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg. Ten units or more at the upper or lower figure (140/90) must be taken seriously. 

What is high blood pressure?

Hypertension, the medical term for high blood pressure, is when the force of the blood is too great.  High blood pressure occurs when blood vessels become narrow or rigid, forcing the heart to pump harder to push blood through the body.  It can damage the important parts of your body including the heart, brain and kidney. Such damage can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and eye problem.

 What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

One of the reasons high blood pressure is so dangerous is that it has no symptom.  In fact it is called the "silent killer". People with high blood pressure occasionally complain of headaches, nose bleeds, and shortness of breath. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to check it regularly.

 What are the key risk factors of high blood pressure? 

Family History- If one of you parents had high BP, you are more likely to have it 

Cigarette smoking- Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict. This puts strains on your blood vessels. Chemicals in cigarette smoke make your blood more sticky and more likely to clot.  For women the combination of smoking and taking birth control pills can increase the risk of high BP. 

Overweight- High fat and high calories can lead to excess weight and obesity, which put more stress to the heart.

 Age- High BP often develops in the 30's and 40's. As people get older, they are more likely to get high BP. 

High intake of salt. 

Stress.

Diabetes and kidney diseases.

Excess alcohol drinking.

What do the different numbers of blood pressure means?

There are two parts of a blood pressure reading: The systolic pressure, the upper number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is pumping. The diastolic pressure, the lower number, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting and filling with blood.

 How is blood pressure treated?                               

1. Reduce your intake in salt.

2. Stop smoking.

3. Exercise regularly.

4. Limit your alcohol intake.

5. Check your blood pressure regularly.

6. Take your medication.

7. Maintain your ideal weight

8.  Avoid stress.

9. Maintain a healthy diet.