Heart Health Awareness

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common medical condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is recorded as two numbers:

**Systolic pressure**: The top number, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
**Diastolic pressure**: The bottom number, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Normal blood pressure is typically considered to be around 120/80 mm Hg. However, high blood pressure is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently exceeds 130/80 mm Hg.

There are two main types of high blood pressure:

**Primary (essential) hypertension**: This type develops gradually over time and has no identifiable cause. It's the most common type of hypertension.
**Secondary hypertension**: This type of high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney problems, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid problems, or the use of certain medications.

High blood pressure is often called a "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss if left untreated.

Lifestyle changes and medications are commonly used to manage high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in sodium, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing stress.

It's important for individuals with high blood pressure to work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor and manage their condition effectively. Regular check-ups and adherence to treatment plans are crucial for maintaining good cardiovascular health and preventing complications associated with high blood pressure.

Here at CB's NP Health Services, we offer blood pressure checks every Thursday from 2p-4p. Call or stop by for more information!!