What is Hypertension and Pre Hypertension?

Hypertension is a word used to describe High Blood Pressure. It simple means that the pressure inside a person’s arteries has reached an unsafe level. Hypertension is also known as the “silent killer” due to the lack of symptoms. The condition of hypertension occurs due to a number of factors and can cause serious health problems and even death. The only method of detecting hypertension is through blood pressure measurements. However, to fully understand “what is hypertension”, you must first understand “blood pressure”.

The beating or pumping action of the heart must generate substantial force to circulate blood through the major arteries, then into the smaller arteries, and lastly through the capillaries. The capillaries have porous walls which allow for the exchange of nutrients and fluids between the blood and the body tissue. Blood pressure is critical to sustain life since it is the major component of the circulatory system.

Your blood pressure is determined by two factors. First, the “force” created as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. The second factor is the “resistance” against the flow of blood by the arteries and capillaries in the body. When you combine the actions of these two factors the result is called “blood pressure”.

Now that you know the two factors that determine your blood pressure – there are two values used to “measure” blood pressure. The first is called “systolic” pressure and is defined as the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts or pumps the blood. This value is the maximum pressure at any time in the arteries. The second is called “diastolic” and is defined as the pressure in the arteries between contractions or beats of the heart – or when the heart relaxes. This value is the minimum pressure at any time in the arteries. These two values are expressed as a number measured in millimeters of mercury or MMHG. A “normal” blood pressure measurement would be approximately 120/80 with the systolic value as the top number and the diastolic value as the bottom number.

Hypertension and Pre Hypertension exist above the normal blood pressure value at the four levels indicated below:

• Pre Hypertension – up to 139/89
• Stage 1 Hypertension – up to 159/99
• Stage 2 Hypertension – up to 179/109
• Stage 3 Hypertension – over 180/110

Untreated hypertension can lead to strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. To ensure an accurate blood pressure measurement, adhere to the following guidelines.

• Sit relaxed for at least five minutes before the measurement
• Do not be stressed, angry or excited during the measurement
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco a few hours before the measurement

Blood pressure measurement is a very simple process which can save your life. Staying informed about your blood pressure value will enable you to control it and remain healthy. See your doctor on a regular basis to avoid hypertension - “the silent killer”. (Press Ctrl-D to Bookmark this article for future reference!)