What Are High Blood Pressure and Prehypertension?

	Tweet

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure rises and falls during the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it is called High Blood Pressure.

The medical term for High Blood Pressure is hypertension. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first- and third-leading causes of death among Americans. High blood pressure also can result in other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness.

A blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high. About two-thirds of people over age 65 have High Blood Pressure. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then you have Prehypertension. This means that you don’t have High Blood Pressure now but are likely to develop it in the future. You can take steps to prevent High Blood Pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Those who do not have High Blood Pressure at age 55 face a 90 percent chance of developing it during their lifetimes. So High Blood Pressure is a condition that most people have at some point in their lives.

Both numbers in a blood pressure test are important, but for people who are 50 or older, systolic pressure gives the most accurate diagnosis of High Blood Pressure. Systolic pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading. It is high if it is 140 mmHg or above.

RELATED STORIES:
What is blood pressure?   What is normal blood pressure?   What is Hypertension?   What Is High Blood Pressure?   What Is Blood Pressure?   Who Can Develop High Blood Pressure?   What is systolic blood pressure?   What is diastolic blood pressure?   Why Is High Blood Pressure Important?   Tips for Having Your Blood Pressure Taken   What device can I use to take my own blood pressure?   How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]