Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. It occurs when there is too much pressure inside the blood vessels. As the pressure increases, your heart must work harder and harder to circulate blood. Over time, this can damage your heart muscle and possibly lead to a rupturing of blood vessels.
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the amount of force created by your heart when it beats and is the higher of the two numbers. Diastolic pressure is the amount of pressure in the blood vessels when your heart is at rest, or between beats. Both numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is defined as three consecutive blood pressure readings with a systolic pressure of 135 mmHg or greater or a diastolic pressure of 88 mmHg or greater.
Although the exact cause of hypertension is generally not known, some risk factors include age, race (African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure), family history, excess weight, alcohol consumption and a diet high in salt.
Have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years or as your physician recommends.
For more information about hypertension
"Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure," from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute | 