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What is hypertension?
Hypertension is defined as the elevation in overall blood pressure. Blood pressure is
the amount of force exerted on the walls of the arteries by the heart in its effort to
pump blood through the body. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The first, or top
number, is the "systolic" pressure, created when the heart contracts. The
second, or bottom number, is the "diastolic" pressure, or the period during
which the heart relaxes.
An example of a normal blood pressure is 120/80. The higher the systolic or diastolic
blood pressure, the greater chance of sustaining cardiac damage or illness. It should be
understood that the higher the blood pressure level, even when within the normal range,
the greater one's risk may be for heart attack or stroke. For example, a person with a
blood pressure reading of 100/70 would be at a somewhat lower risk for heart attack or
stroke than would a person whose blood pressure is 120/80, although both blood pressures
would be considered within normal limits.
Previously it was felt that patients with a systolic pressure within the range of 160
to 170 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) had an acceptable systolic blood pressure and were
not at unusual risk. However, it is now strongly believed that the systolic pressure
should be less than 150, with the most recent recommendations from the American Heart
Association being that of lower levels for both the systolic and diastolic pressure.
Practitioners in cardiology consider the diastolic blood pressure to be significantly
elevated when it is found to be greater than 90 mmHg.
The incidence rates of hypertension in the United States have increased dramatically
over the past 15 years. The reason for this increase is that we have a larger body of
knowledge, which allows us to understand this disease process more fully and its
relationship to heart attack and stroke. The likelihood of hypertension increases with age
and, in the presence of other risk factors, the possibility of a major stroke is very
high. It is very encouraging then that over the last 10 years there has been a 50%
reduction in incidence of serious events which may be related to high blood pressure.
Oftentimes people with hypertension don't know they have high blood pressure until an
occasion arises when their blood pressure is measured. Even in those persons who feel
well, high blood pressure can be serious. If it is found that the diastolic blood pressure
is at a dangerous level, it is important to seek medical follow-up and possible therapy
with a medication to lower the blood pressure.
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