BP Basics
What Is High Blood Pressure?
The heart usually pumps blood into the arteries. The
blood gushes against the walls of the arteries pushing it. That is why,
blood pressure is measured by monitoring that how hard the heart has to
work to pump the blood out. When the arteries of the heart become
hardened and narrowed with cholesterol plaque (atherosclerosis) and
calcium (arteriosclerosis), the heart has difficulty in pumping the
blood through them. As a result, blood pressure goes abnormally high.
High blood pressure is also called hypertension. For more information,
read What
Is High Blood Pressure.
The worst thing
about heart rate and blood pressure (high) is that usually it has no
symptoms, but can cause serious complications. That is why, regular
blood pressure measurement and blood pressure information is necessary.
Blood pressure machines such as blood pressure monitor and digital blood
pressure cuffs help you to keep track of your blood pressure levels.
Blood pressure is measured in systolic pressure (when the heart compresses)
and diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes). It's measured in
millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure strikes in an adult
with systolic pressure/diastolic pressure equal to or greater than 140
mm Hg/90 mm Hg. High blood pressure results in severe complications,
like coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke. It
is more fatal especially when it's present with other risk factors like
stress or depression. It is particularly prevalent among people with age
over 35 but, at times it can affect both adults and children. Thus take
care of your blood pressure levels for a healthy life.