High Blood Pressure Facts
High
blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that seems to be on the
rise around the world, but most particularly within the United States,
and the health provider community at large believes that a rising rate
in obesity in the American population is the cause. People whose blood
pressure falls within normal ranges are less likely to develop heart
disease and strokes. Due to physical conditions, diet and heredity,
hypertension, or high blood pressure, may cause a multitude of
problems, including a greater risk of developing and suffering from
heart disease, coronary disease and strokes.
As the heart
pumps blood
through its chambers, pressure in arteries increases. This state is
called systolic pressure. When the heart muscle relaxes between beats,
diastolic pressure is measured. A normal, systolic blood pressure
reading averages around 120 beats per minute or lower, while a
diastolic pressure of around 80 beats per minutes is considered normal.
High blood pressure becomes evident when blood pressure rises over 140
for systolic and 90 for diastolic pressure readings.
High blood pressure is one of the greatest threats to public health,
and eating habits have much to do with it. Too much fat and cholesterol
in the body serves to clog and block arteries, decreasing the amount of
blood that reaches vital organs, including the heart and brain. Someone
can suffer from high blood pressure and not even realize it until a
stroke or heart attack strikes.
High blood pressure is commonly known as 'the silent killer', but it
doesn't have to be. Regular physical check ups can find signs and
symptoms of high blood pressure before it's too late. Having your blood
pressure checked regularly is the best method of watching for this
silent disease. Blood pressure reading cuffs can be purchased at most
medical supply stores, and are not difficult to master.
High blood
pressure
occurs when exercising or when the body is under physical or emotional
stress, but upon most occasions, the brain will signal the heart to
slow down if it senses danger. Blood pressure normally rises and falls
throughout the course of a normal day and is nothing to be alarmed
about. Maintaining a healthy living style, eating right and getting
adequate amounts of exercise are the best things that people can do to
maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Most high blood pressure conditions can be prevented. Diets high in
fruits and vegetables provide adequate amounts of calcium, fiber,
potassium and magnesium, which can protect the heart against high blood
pressure. Ease up on the saltshaker and get in shape. Even better, stop
smoking and drinking. Busy lifestyles keep stress and tension levels
high, so if you can relax every day, no matter what it is, as long as
you enjoy it and it relaxes you, you can help reduce mild high blood
pressure.
Preventing
high blood
pressure may be more difficult with aging, illness and other factors,
but it is possible to slow or overcome such difficulties with diet,
medications, exercise and a positive outlook on life.
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