What is Hypertension?Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure and is often referred to as the 'silent killer' as there are generally no symptoms for it. Blood pressure is the amount of pressure your blood exerts on the walls of your veins and vessels. Usually blood pressure rises during physical exertion, stress or excitement and afterwards returns to normal levels. A diagnosis of hypertension is made if blood pressure remains higher than normal over extended periods of time. A reading of 120/80 is considered normal but anything over 140/90 is taken seriously. What then is 120/80? The heart expands and contracts as it pumps, changing the blood pressure. When it contracts, blood flows into the blood vessels, increasing blood pressure. This is called systolic pressure and is the higher (120) of the two readings. The diastolic measurement is when the heart relaxes between beats; the flow of blood lessens and blood pressure drops (80). It is recommended you consult your doctor if your blood pressure regularly exceeds 140/90 - particularly when at rest. Why do blood pressure readings change? Remember blood pressure results will fluctuate to some degree during the course of a day as blood is a fluid and is affected by several factors. One's emotional state; the time of day; state of hydration; presence of an infection or recent exertion, will all have an effect. As such it's recommended blood pressure is measured at the same time each day; preferably first thing in the morning and later in the evening. Dangers of uncontrolled hypertension Uncontrolled hypertension is dangerous and could result in heart disease, heart attack, stroke, organ damage and death. The good news is it's a manageable condition and with the correct medication, healthy diet, exercise and no smoking, one can live a normal life. The MediGenix answer The MediGenix Blood Pressure Monitors are easy to use and excellent for monitoring blood pressure and checking the medication you're on is effectively treating your hypertension. It's not uncommon for one's medication and/or dose to be changed until the correct treatment is found.
*This article is for information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s medical advice and seek medical help when necessary. |