High Blood Pressure

Doctors have known for a long time that high blood pressure is a significant health risk, and in recent years the subject has gotten a lot of coverage in the mass media. Yet many people don't really understand exactly what high blood pressure is, what causes it, and what the symptoms of high blood pressure are.

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted by the blood against the blood vessel walls. A systolic blood pressure reading of 140 mmHg or above is considered to be elevated. "Systolic" is the name given to a "beat," or the moment when the heart is at maximum exertion.

High Blood Pressure and Hypertension: the Same Thing? 

High blood pressure, which is known medically as hypertension, causes the heart to work too hard because it has become more difficult to force blood through the circulatory system. Over time, this can result in severe damage to the heart's muscle and tissue. It also contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis.

Someone with hypertension or high blood pressure has a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, elevated blood pressure can lead to kidney disease, severe eye damage and loss of vision.

In the United States, almost 70 percent of people over the age of 65 have high blood pressure. It's also common for people of all ages who are overweight.

A number of risk factors are widely known to contribute to high blood pressure, although the exact causes are still somewhat mysterious. People who don't get much exercise and eat poor diets are likely to get high blood pressure. Heredity also seems to play a role.

High blood pressure can often be controlled with medications, but lifestyle changes are the best "prescription" for long term overall health.

Also see our articles on high blood pressure and reduced mental function, high blood pressure and pregnancy, high blood pressure treatment and high blood pressure causes.