Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is often referred to as hypertension; a blood pressure reading that is measured by millimeters of mercury and typically shown as two numbers. One example would be 120 over 80 (written as 120/80 mmHg). The top number is the systolic pressure (pressure that is formed when the heart beats). It is thought to be high if consistently more than 140. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure (pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is resting). It is thought to be high if consistently more than 90. Either one or both of these numbers can be too high for someone.

There are many factors that can affect blood pressure and include: the amount of water and salt found in the body, the condition of a person’s nervous system, kidneys or blood vessels and the levels of various body hormones

All different types of people can be affected by high or low blood pressure. Someone has a higher risk for high/low blood pressure if it is found in a family’s history and it is seen more in African Americans than in Caucasians. Obesity, smoking and diabetes are risk factors. Usually there is no cause indentified; this is referred as essential hypertension. High blood pressure that is caused by a specific condition, medication or habit is referred to as secondary hypertension.