High blood pressure is often referred to as hypertension. Though it is true that stress and emotional tension increases blood pressure, it is important to understand that hypertension does not always mean excessive emotional tension. It can be caused by several other factors, as well. The causes and high blood pressure symptoms vary from one patient to another. Your awareness is the key here. The more you know about the various aspects associated with this disease, the better preventive measures you can take.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
The main function of the heart is to pump blood and send it to other vital organs of the body. The arteries are the strong muscle tubes in the human body. The blood goes through these arteries from the pumping heart to all other organs and tissues of the body. When there is high tension or high pressure in these arteries, this condition is medically referred to as high blood pressure.
Reading Blood Pressure
There is a specific method to measure this pressure in numbers. For example, blood pressure below 120/80 is considered as normal, between 120/80 and 139/89 is considered as pre-hypertension, and 140/90 or above is considered as hypertension. The bottom number refers to the diastolic pressure that corresponds to pressure or tension in the arteries when the heart relaxes after the contraction. The top number refers to the systolic blood pressure that represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting and pumping blood forward into the blood vessels.
Every time the heart beats, it generates a force. Since the heart also pumps blood, this force is transferred to the same. This way¸ when blood leaves the heart, it carries this force with it. This force puts pressure on the walls of the arteries and the arteries push it back. This helps the blood to flow ahead. The pressure caused by that force in the blood vessels is termed as blood pressure.
Importance Of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure plays a very important role in determining the health conditions of a person. High blood pressure is one of the major reasons for heart attack and stroke. It can develop other problems as well, such as kidney failure. It is a strong risk factor that may lead to several medical problems. That is the reason why it is so important to keep the blood pressure normal. If you are suffering from hypertension, you must visit your doctor immediately.
How Is It Measured?
Sphygmomanometer, which is more commonly known as blood pressure cuff is a small portable instrument that is used to measure blood pressure. The instrument consists of a rubber cuff, a pressure gauge, and an air pump. The blood pressure is measured in the units of millimeters of mercury that is denoted as mm Hg.
Depending upon several factors, the causes and symptoms vary from one person to another. Therefore, the same high blood pressure treatments may not work for everybody. You are recommended to always consult your doctor before you take any medicine for high blood pressure.