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 Blood pressure

Do you know what your blood pressure is? If not, you should! High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the number one risk factor for death and debilitation from a stroke. Longstanding hypertension can also damage the heart muscle, causing a condition known as congestive heart failure, in which the heart's ability to squeeze and pump blood throughout the body is impaired. When this occurs, fluid can back up into the lungs, legs and throughout the body, leading to shortness of breath, weakness and potential renal failure. High blood pressure can also contribute to the development of coronary artery disease, causing the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle to become clogged. Coronary artery disease, in the form of a "heart attack" is a leading cause of death in the United States.

High blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and it contributes to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis and the development of heart failure.

What Is "Normal" Blood Pressure?

There are several categories of blood pressure, including:

• Normal: Less than 120/80
• Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89
• Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159/90-99
• Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

People whose blood pressure is above the normal range should consult their doctor about methods for lowering it.

  High Blood  Causes

The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known. Several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including:

Essential Hypertension

In as many as 95% of reported high blood pressure cases in the United States, the underlying cause cannot be determined. This type of high blood pressure is called essential hypertension.

Though essential hypertension remains somewhat mysterious, it has been linked to certain risk factors. High blood pressure tends to run in families and is more likely to affect men than women. Age and race also play a role. In the United States, blacks are twice as likely as whites to have high blood pressure, although the gap begins to narrow around age 44. After age 65, black women have the highest incidence of high blood pressure.

Essential hypertension is also greatly influenced by diet and lifestyle. The link between salt and high blood pressure is especially compelling. People living on the northern islands of Japan eat more salt per capita than anyone else in the world and have the highest incidence of essential hypertension. By contrast, people who add no salt to their food show virtually no traces of essential hypertension.

The majority of all people with high blood pressure are "salt sensitive," meaning that anything more than the minimal bodily need for salt is too much for them and increases their blood pressure. Other factors that have been associated with essential hypertension include obesity; diabetes; stress; insufficient intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium; lack of physical activity; and chronic alcohol consumption.

Secondary Hypertension

When a direct cause for high blood pressure can be identified, the condition is described as secondary hypertension. Among the known causes of secondary hypertension, kidney disease ranks highest. Hypertension can also be triggered by tumors or other abnormalities that cause the adrenal glands (small glands that sit atop the kidneys) to secrete excess amounts of the hormones that elevate blood pressure. Birth control pills -- specifically those containing estrogen -- and pregnancy can boost blood pressure, as can medications that constrict blood vessels.

Who Is More Likely to Develop High Blood Pressure?

• People with family members who have high blood pressure.
• People who smoke.
• African-Americans.
• Women who are pregnant.
• Women who take birth control pills.
• People over the age of 35.
• People who are overweight or obese.
• People who are not active.
• People who drink alcohol excessively.
• People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt.

Blood pressure monitor

The purpose of this article is to provide information about a blood pressure monitor and how to use it. This is especially important if you are going to be monitoring your own blood pressure in a home environment.

A blood pressure monitor is a device that measures blood pressure, or hypertension. When you go to the doctor to have your hypertension check, the doctor places a rubber cuff around your arm and tightens it in order to cut off blood flow for a very short span of time. The blood pressure monitor is used to pump up the cuff and then it is used to get an accurate reading of your level of hypertension. The device most commonly used by medical professionals is known as a sphygmomanometer.

For those suffering from hypertension, a doctor may recommend that the patient obtain an instrument so they can perform their own readings on a regular basis. There are both automatic (also referred to as digital or electronic) and manual monitors. One of the most convenient types of monitors to use at home is one that is gaining in popularity, which is the digital electronic sphygmomanometer. This is composed of an arm cuff as well as an electric monitor, which allows you to see what your actual reading is. There are also monitors that can be worn on the wrist however these kinds tend not to give as accurate a reading as the aforementioned one.
 

Blood pressure monitors allow for self-measurement, which makes it possible for an individual to be more involved in their own care. This gives many patients confidence as well as a greater sense of control over their circumstances. They are also excellent devices for people who note that their blood pressure seems to only be high when they are visiting their doctor. Blood pressure can shoot up as a result of nervousness and stress therefore a home monitor will allow you to get a more accurate reading when you are in your own everyday environment.

Blood pressure units that are geared towards monitoring at home are broken down into three categories- mercury sphygmomanometer, aneroid equipment and automatic equipment. Adults or children who have arms which are larger or smaller than average size might need to buy a special-sized rubber cuff that can be purchased either at select pharmacies or through a medical supply company (orders might be taken by way of a website as well).

When it comes to choosing an appropriate instrument, it is important to discuss the options with your doctor to determine what is most suitable for you and your lifestyle. Always choose a unit that meets the necessary validation requirements according to the medical community. Your physician should be able to supply you with this information. Carefully read all instructions before you try out the monitor and make sure that the unit you bought is every bit as precise as the readings obtained in the doctors office. Have your doctor explain to you how to use your personal blood pressure monitor but keep in mind that you still need to make regular visits to see a healthcare provider. Home blood pressure units are not a substitute for expert medical care.

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