What IS high blood pressure?  Also known as hypertension  It is most commonly found among middle-aged and older people. However, hypertension can also be found in even children and teens.  Blood pressure : the measurement of force against your arterial walls as the heart sends blood through the body.  Blood pressure readings are measured by two separate numbers. The top number is known as systolic pressure, and the bottom is diastolic pressure.

 It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms  Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure  Can cause: kidney disease increases chance (or risk)for getting heart disease stroke heart failure blindness

Systolic – High : if >140 Normal : 90 to 120 Diastolic – High : >90 Normal : 60 to 80

 level of water and salt in the body.  The condition of the nervous system, kidneys, and blood vessels.  The levels of different body hormones. (As you age your blood vessels become stiffer, thus causing older people to be more likely to have high blood pressure)

a) Essential Hypertension b) Secondary Hypertension

 Are Obese  Eat too much salt  Smoke  Have diabetes  Have a family history of high BP.  Are often stressed or anxious. However, most of the time no direct cause is found. This is called essential hypertension.

 High BP is also caused by medications or other medical conditions. This is called Secondary Hypertension.  This can be due to things such as….  Alcohol abuse  Cocaine abuse  Birth control pills  Migraine Medications

 Headaches  Confusion  Fatigue  Nosebleeds (epistaxis)  Irregular Heartbeat  Ear noise or buzzing

 Isolated Systolic Hypertension most common in people above the age of 65 caused by a decrease of elasticity within the arterial wall systolic pressure is much more important for older people as this poses greater risk for cardiovascular disease.  Malignant Hypertension – only occurs in about 1 percent of people with hypertension. often seen in younger adults and women who have pregnancy toxemia (this is the onset of extremely rapid BP increase and is a medical emergency)

The only way to be tested for hypertension (high blood pressure) is to have your BP measured with a pressure cuff. However, a doctor can check eyes, urine, and blood for ocular damage, hormone levels, and excess electrolytes.

 Get checked regularly!  In most cases, high blood pressure can be helped by medication and some simple changes such as….  Avoiding smoking  A diet rich in fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy  Exercise regularly (30 minutes daily if possible)  If you have diabetes, keep blood sugar levels in control.  Try to manage stress effectively.  Lose weight if overweight. This can cause extra strain on the heart.

THE BEST WAY TO HELP HYPERTENSION IS TO PREVENT IT FROM EVEN HAPPENING !!!

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