Blog Post #1- Hypertension

Isabella Herrero

Blog Post #1

HypertensionAn Introduction to the Condition 

Hypertension is more commonly known as high blood pressure.  We've all had our blood pressure taken at doctor's appointments but what actually is blood pressure?? 

Blood pressure is a number determined by the amount of blood pumped by heart and the amount of resistance that blood faces in the arteries (blood's pathways through your body).

Blood pressure is measured as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure.  Systolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (heart muscles contract).  Diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart muscle relaxes (in between beats).  Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHG. 

High blood pressure occurs when the long-term force of blood against arterial walls is too high that it can eventually cause damage such as heart disease.  Hypertension tends to develop over years and often goes on without any noticeable symptoms.  If any symptoms exist they may consist of headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds.  

Hypertension has multiple Risk Factors including:

Age: the risk of hypertension increases naturally with age.  Men often develop hypertension after age 45 and women after age 65

Race: hypertension is more common in blacks who often develop hypertension earlier on

Family History: hypertension runs in families

Being Overweight or Obese: the more you weigh, the more blood you need to pump throughout your body, increasing blood pressure

Being Physically Inactive: people who are not regularly active often have higher heart rates which in turn leads to higher blood pressure

Smoking Tobacco: smoking immediately raises blood pressure as well as damages the inside of your arteries

Consuming Too Much Salt: salt causes your body to retain fluid and consequentially raises blood pressure

Not Consuming Enough Potassium: Potassium helps to regulate salt concentrations in the body and therefore controls helps maintain blood pressure.  Key: Bananas are high in Potassium!

Drinking Too Much Alcohol: Overtime, heavy drinking can damage your heart

Stress: high levels of stress temporarily increase blood pressure 

Be Proactive! 

 Check your Blood pressure regularly if you might be at risk for hypertension.  Checking blood pressure is easy and painless and can be done at the doctors office or even at home with the help of a family member or friend.  Even if you aren't at risk for hypertension, its better to be safe than sorry and check your blood pressure regularly.  There are also ways to maintain a healthy blood pressure by changing habits of your lifestyle to promote a healthy heart and keep your blood pressure under control.  Take control of your blood pressure before it takes control of you. 

References:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/AboutHighBloodPressure/Understanding-Blood-Pressure-Readings_UCM_301764_Article.jsp#.V9mb4TuxFEc

http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/blood-pressure-chart.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/definition/con-20019580