What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension is a common condition. It is a lifestyle disorder with modifiable risk factors. Although it may run in family, in most cases it is environmentally acquired. Since many are not aware, often this condition goes unnoticed. After a time period, continuous high force of blood against the artery may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease, stroke etc.
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of pumping force of the heart. It also depends on resistance to blood flow in arteries. The more blood pumped by the heart narrows the arteries and leads to higher blood pressure. A blood pressure reading is measured in columns of mercury (mmHg).
Systolic pressure:
The first upper number which measures the pressure in the arteries when your heart beats.
Diastolic pressure:
The second lower number which measures the pressure in the arteries between beats.
Normal blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
High Blood pressure is more than 120/80 mmHg.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of serious health conditions like heart attack, stroke. We can detect high blood pressure easily in a routine health check.