What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say, “120 over 80,” or write, “120/80 mmHg.”
A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg.1
What is high blood pressure (hypertension)? High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension).
The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Signs and symptoms of high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way
What causes high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. It can also happen during pregnancy.
How do I know if I have high blood pressure? There’s only one way to know if you have high blood pressure: By having a health professional measure it. ( Measuring your blood pressure) is quick and painless. Secondly through self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring
Prevention and managing of high blood pressure?
People with high blood pressure can lower their blood pressure by observing healthy lifestyle changes. This includes getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week (about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week), Not smoking, Eating healthy diets, Including limiting sodium(salt) and alcohol, Managing stress, Taking their medicine religiously, and regular monitoring of their blood pressure with the BP machine.
NB: High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.