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WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood pressure is the force on the walls of the arteries as the blood circulates.
Blood pressure allows blood to flow and deliver nutrients to the body. We measure blood pressure with two numbers. The top number is the blood pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number is your blood pressure when your heart relaxes and refills with blood. The higher your numbers and the longer they are high, the more damage is caused to your blood vessels.
Blood pressure increases with age. More than nine in ten Canadians will develop high blood pressure (hypertension) unless they follow a healthy lifestyle. High blood pressure is the leading risk for death. High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart attacks, and heart and kidney failure. It is also related to dementia and sexual problems. These problems can be prevented if high blood pressure is controlled.
Leading Risks for Death in North America
(World Health Organization 2002)
WHAT SHOULD MY BLOOD PRESSURE BE?
DO I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
You may not experience any symptoms if you have high blood pressure so you should have your blood pressure measured regularly throughout your life. Remember, even if you are young you could still have high blood pressure so get your blood pressure checked.
One high blood pressure reading does not necessarily mean you have hypertension. Your doctor may diagnose hypertension right away if your blood pressure is extremely high, or may ask you to come back for several visits before a diagnosis can be made.
Blood pressure should be measured when you are relaxed and rested because most people have higher readings when they are under physical or emotional stress. Monitoring your own blood pressure with a home blood pressure monitor can be helpful.
IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:
- Have your blood pressure measured regularly.
- See a doctor regularly.
- Have your cholesterol measured. Most people with high blood pressure have other risks for heart disease and stroke such as high cholesterol.
- Have your blood sugar checked. People with diabetes and high blood pressure must be monitored closely and need to strive for lower blood pressure targets.
- Have your kidney function checked. This can be done by measuring the salts in your blood and by testing your urine. Kidney problems can cause high blood pressure.
- If you are told you have high blood pressure, tell your family members. They may be at risk for hypertension and should have their blood pressure checked.
What are the Benefits of Treating High Blood Pressure?
A decrease of 10/5mm Hg (one medication or a change in lifestyle) reduces your risk of developing serious complications as follows:
