Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, describes the pressure exerted by the blood within the arteries. The heart creates this pressure as it pumps blood around the body. Blood pressure measurements have 2 readings. The higher value is called the systolic blood pressure and the lower value is called the diastolic blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure refers to the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart is pumping blood (that is, while it is beating). Diastolic blood pressure refers to blood pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest (between heartbeats). Hypertension occurs when one, or both, of these pressures exceeds a safe level. Blood pressure readings are measured with a sphygmomanometer in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and are written as systolic pressure/diastolic pressure (for example, 125/70 mmHg).
What is an acceptable blood pressure reading?
Normally, blood pressure drops when you sleep and rises when, for example, you are subjected to stress, startled by a loud noise, threatened, or exercising.
According to the National Heart Foundation, a person could be defined as having high blood pressure if they have systolic pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg.
However, although doctors define high blood pressure as that above a particular level, the threshold is arbitrary. Starting from quite low levels, as blood pressure increases, so does the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.
In addition, blood pressure varies with exercise, anxiety, stress, age, fitness, smoking, alcohol intake, weight and medications. For example, a doctor would usually expect an elderly person to have a higher blood pressure reading than a young person.
What causes hypertension?
The majority of people with high blood pressure have what is called ‘essential’ hypertension and there is no single identifiable cause. However, there are a number of factors that are known to increase the risk of hypertension including:
- age—as the large arteries become more rigid with age, the resistance to the flow of blood increases, thus raising blood pressure;
- heredity—hypertension commonly runs in families;
- gender—affecting men more than women;
- smoking;
- excessive alcohol intake;
- excessive salt intake;
- obesity and lack of exercise;
- kidney disease;
- some endocrine conditions;
- the contraceptive pill; and
- pregnancy, where it can have serious consequences.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Many people may show no symptoms for many years, and become aware of the condition only when complications arise. Those who do have symptoms may complain of headaches and dizziness.
What you can do
- Give up smoking.
- Minimise alcohol consumption, and your intake of salt and fat.
- Exercise regularly and keep weight within reasonable limits.
- Minimise stress and anxiety.
- Choose another form of contraception if taking oral contraceptives.
- If taking hypertension medications, take the medications regularly and do not discontinue without consulting your doctor.
- If diagnosed with hypertension, visit your doctor and have your blood pressure monitored regularly.
What your doctor can do for you
Hypertension can be managed and controlled with a wide range of antihypertensive medications. Your doctor can prescribe the best one suited for you. You should be aware that it can take these medications some time to work (days or weeks) and regular checks are essential until the correct dosage for you is determined. You should then visit your doctor every 3 to 6 months for regular check-ups. This way, your doctor can monitor your blood pressure and check for any complications before they become a major problem.
Last Reviewed: 27 March 2003
Sponsored links
