| High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is | | | | people with high blood pressure, the cause is |
| measured in numbers based on the systolic and | | | | unidentifiable. This is referred to as primary or |
| diastolic pressures of the blood. Systolic pressure | | | | essential hypertension. A secondary hypertension, on |
| measures the force in the arteries when the heart | | | | the other hand, has underlying causes that include |
| beats, while the diastolic pressure measures this | | | | diseases in the arteries, chronic kidney diseases, |
| force when the heart is at rest or relaxed. These | | | | chronic alcohol abuse, hormonal disturbances and |
| measurements are shown in sequence from top to | | | | preeclampsia. Certain medications such as |
| bottom - the systolic pressure measurement on top | | | | over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants |
| and the diastolic pressure measurement at the | | | | can cause secondary hypertension. |
| bottom. | | | | Many people do not take high blood pressure |
| A small, portable instrument called a blood pressure | | | | seriously. But little do they know that this is |
| cuff or sphygmomanometer is used to measure | | | | dangerous, because it causes the heart to work |
| blood pressure. This consists of an air pump, a | | | | extra hard. You should be aware that the more blood |
| pressure gauge, and a rubber cuff and measures the | | | | your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, |
| blood pressure in units called millimeters of mercury. If | | | | the higher your blood pressure will be. And once this |
| your reading is 110/70, you don't have to worry | | | | becomes uncontrollable, you increase your risk of |
| because it is a healthy blood pressure. But if it is | | | | serious health problems such as heart attacks and |
| greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure | | | | stroke. So, why let this happen if you can do |
| or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic | | | | something about it? Only a simple test is needed to |
| pressure, it means you have a high blood pressure, | | | | detect high blood pressure. Once you know your |
| and you should seek medical attention. | | | | condition, work with your doctors to control it. |
| What causes hypertension? For more than 90% of | | | | |