High Blood Pressure 101
Important Information You Need To Know About Blood
Pressure
As you age, it is important that you know your own body.
Taking control of your blood pressure will help to prevent
strokes, heart disease and kidney disease.
High blood pressure can happen to anyone, regardless of your
age, race, ethnicity or gender. Many people who suffer from
high blood pressure also run higher risk of strokes and heart
diseases than those with regular blood pressure.
High blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls
of your arteries. Your blood pressure rises and falls throughout
the day and if it rises and stays that way over time, you
have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure usually refers to as hypertension. When
you have high blood pressure it puts more pressure on the
heart, forcing it work harder than usual. This is the reason
why you end up at risk for strokes or heart disease.
Normal blood pressure level
The normal blood pressure level is less than 120 over 80
or less. The first number refers to your systolic pressure
and the second number means your diastolic pressure. Your
numbers are read 120 over 80, etc. If your pressure is 140
over 90 or higher, it means you have high blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood in your arteries
when your heart is beating.
Diastolic blood pressure is the force of blood in your arteries
when your heart is relaxing.
Risk factors of high blood pressure
The most common risks of high blood pressure are probably
stroke and heart disease. The other risk factors include:
1. Use of Tobacco
2. Physical Inactivity
3. Diabetes
4. Abnormal Cholesterol
5. Being overweight
Who is at the risk of high blood pressure?
Sadly, everyone has the risk of getting high blood pressure
but it is more common among African Americans. Almost one
in three American adults has high blood pressure. Besides,
the studies show that African Americans also have a much higher
death rate from kidney disease and stroke than white Americans.
However, with treatment you can still help to lower your blood
pressure.
How to lower my blood pressure?
Actually, there are many different ways of helping to lower
your blood pressure. Physical activity and exercise are great
ways to lower it. Physical activity will make your heart stronger
eventually. If you have a stronger heart, then it can pump
blood easier hence reducing your risks of stroke and kidney
diseases. It is never too late to start exercising!
If you are concerned about your blood pressure, then you
should consult your physician for more information. They are
the best persons to advice you on how to lower your blood
pressure. If you want to live a healthy life, taking control
of your blood pressure is very important.
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