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Your blood pressure
is a measure of the presence or force of the blood against
walls of the blood vessels. Since the blood pressure changes
when the heart contracts and relaxes, it is measured by two
numbers: the systolic (top number) and the diastolic (bottom
number). The systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart
contracts and forces blood through the blood vessels. The
diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is relaxed.
High blood pressure is often referred to as a silent killer because
there are usually no symptoms. It can double or triple your
risk for heart disease, kidney disease, cause damage to the
blood vessels in the eyes (retinopathy) or the legs or other
parts of the body (peripheral vascular disease). High blood
pressure or hypertension is defined as pressure that is
consistently greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg . Hypertension
damages blood vessel walls by leaving scars that promote the
plaque build-up on artery walls. This puts extra strain on
the heart and eventually weakens it. High blood pressure is
the leading cause of stroke and heart disease.
To lower your blood pressure
reduce your sodium intake, increase exercise, eat
more fruits and vegetables, reduce your weight and limit your
alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day. Have your
blood pressure checked regularly. If it is elevated, take the
medication prescribed by your physician.
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