If a doctor tells you have high blood pressure,
or hypertension, you may be surprised. High blood
pressure does not cause symptoms. You can have it
even though you feel fine. But high blood pressure
is a serious condition that affects as many as 50
million Americans. High blood pressure can lead
to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other
health problems.
As blood flows from the heart out to the blood vessels,
it creates pressure against the blood vessel walls.
Your blood pressure reading is a measure of this
pressure. A healthcare provider may use a device
called a sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure cuff,
to take this measurement. The test is short and
painless. When that reading goes above a certain
point, it is called high blood pressure.
Because hypertension is so common, everyone should
have his or her blood pressure tested once a year.
Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers.
The average blood pressure reading for adults is
120/80, but a slightly higher or lower reading (for
either number) may not be a problem. If blood pressure
goes above 140/90, a doctor may recommend some form
of treatment.
With mild hypertension, a doctor may suggest weight
loss, reducing salt and alcohol in the diet and
exercise. In some cases, these steps alone will
reduce blood pressure to acceptable levels. There
are also many medications available to treat high
blood pressure.
Only your doctor or other healthcare provider can
tell you if you have high blood pressure. There
are machines in stores and malls but they should
not substitute for the advice of a qualified professional.
