Talk To Me About Hypertension

Hypertension, the medical term for high blood pressure, is a common condition when the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. The vessels carry blood from the heart to all parts of the human body. Blood is pumped into the vessels every time the heartbeats. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels (arteries). To put it simply, the more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. 

Blood pressure is determined by two numbers. The higher number (systolic pressure) is the strength at which your heart pumps blood all over your body, while the lower number (diastolic pressure) is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels. Both of the pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The following is a general guide of blood pressure by the NHS:

  • Between 90/60mmHg and 120/8-mmHg are considered as the ideal blood pressure.
  • Between 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher for anyone over 80 years old) are considered as high blood pressure.
  • Between 120/80mmHg and 140/90 usually means a person is at risk of developing high blood pressure.

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