Get in the know- Hypertension

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What is blood pressure?  
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. The heart creates this force as it contracts and as it rests between contractions.
How is blood pressure measured?  
Blood pressure incorporates two measures:
Systolic blood pressure is the pressure against artery walls as the heart contracts (or beats) and pushes blood into the arteries. This is the top or first number in a blood pressure reading.
Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure against artery walls between heart contractions. This is the bottom or second number in a blood pressure reading.
What is hypertension? 
Hypertension is a medial diagnosis of high blood pressure, which is made if the systolic number or the diastolic number stays higher than normal most of the time. In this condition, the heart has to pump harder to move blood through the body, adding to the workload of the heart and blood vessels. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels and heart, increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease (including heart attack) and kidney disease.
The only reliable way to know if you have or are developing high blood pressure is to have it checked.
What should my blood pressure be? 
Blood pressure goes up and down depending on what you are doing. It may rise during periods of excitement, nervousness, or exercise and decrease during sleep.
The American Heart Association recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep monitor for home monitoring of blood pressure. Individuals should monitor their blood pressure at different times throughout the day and discuss their results with their health care provider.

How is hypertension treated?
Treatment options including changing diet/exercise habits and medications.  In some cases it could require medication.
If your clinician prescribes one or more medications for you, it is important that you take them regularly (not just when you remember it or feel bad). Controlling high blood pressure can help prevent heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Discuss any side effects with your health care provider, because many can be prevented by a change in medication dosages or type. 
Am I at risk for getting hypertension? 
Here are some of the most common risk factors that contribute to high blood pressure:
Smoking tobacco- Nicotine constricts blood vessels, stimulates the heart and increases the rate at which fatty deposits occur within the arteries. This can increase the destruction of the arteries already caused by high blood pressure. If you smoke, consider contacting 802-Quits.
Being overweight-  Losing weight can lessen this strain on the heart while also restricting cholesterol and saturated fat build-up in the inner lining of the blood vessels. Maintaining a healthy weight permanently requires a change in eating habits, exercise patterns and attitudes towards food.
Excessive sodium intake- (mostly as table salt or food additives) may be detrimental to individuals with high blood pressure. Avoid salty and processed foods and use herbs and seasonings for flavor.
Lack of exercise: Regular physical exercise may decrease the rate of fatty deposit build-up on the artery walls, strengthen the heart and reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
Genetics: Blood pressure levels are correlated among families. This can be attributed to genetics, shared environment or lifestyle factors. If either or both of your parents have high blood pressure, you are at greater risk of developing it.

Bottom line- it is important to be aware of your numbers. Many pharmacies have free blood pressure machines in them, so stop by or have your doctor take your blood pressure. This is an important health number to know!

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