Blood pressure can change from minute to minute, especially when we are excited or afraid, and cause an increase in pulse and a rise in the pressure inside our blood vessels. It also is affected by changes in posture, exercise, sleeping, and medications. Normal blood pressure falls within a range. Monitoring and treating blood pressure is important because damage to arteries begins at fairly low blood pressure levels. Damaged arteries greatly increase the risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and atherosclerosis.
Blood pressure of less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic is considered normal. A systolic pressure of 120 to 139 or a diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 is considered prehypertension and needs to be watched carefully. Any blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140 systolic over 90 diastolic is considered high blood pressure. For people over age 50, systolic pressure is more important than diastolic.
High blood pressure is considered a silent killer, because many people with this disease have no symptoms. Over time, this increase in blood pressure can damage the blood vessels or vital organs. This can lead to strokes, heart disease, or kidney disease. High blood pressure is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease.
When blood pressure goes up, the heart has to work harder than normal. This puts the heart and the blood vessels under a strain. If high blood pressure is not treated, the heart will have to work even harder to pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the body's needs. The heart enlarges when it is forced to work harder than normal for a long time. An enlarged heart may have a hard time meeting the demands put on it.
Blood vessels also suffer the effects of high blood pressure. Over time, they become hardened. This often occurs as people age. High blood pressure speeds this process. Blood vessel damage is bad because hardened or narrowed arteries may be unable to supply the amount of blood the body's organs need. If the organs, especially the heart, do not get enough blood, they cannot function properly.
Treating prehypertension and high blood pressure early can decrease the chances of having heart problems in later life. A healthy low- fat, low-salt diet and healthy lifestyle habits, such as getting more exercise, losing weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress, help control high blood pressure. Regular and heavy use of alcohol can dramatically increase blood pressure. Alcohol intake of more than two ounces daily should be avoided. Weight loss of even 10 pounds can help significantly. Healthcare providers often recommend these methods to control blood pressure before turning to medications.
There are many drugs that can lower high blood pressure. Some rid the body of excess fluids and salt. Others reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by allowing the walls of the blood vessels to widen.
People with prehypertension and high blood pressure should:
- follow the advice of their healthcare provider
- stay on their medication and follow all instructions
- ose weight if overweight
- stop smoking
- eat heart healthy foods and
- exercise
Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise most days of the week, preferably daily. (Children need at least 60 minutes a day.) Doing less than this will minimize your health benefits. Moderate aerobic exercise is generally defined as requiring about as much energy as walking 2 miles in 30 minutes.
Last Reviewed 2005
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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