It’s High Time You Know about High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the leading causes for heart diseases and stroke. For those who may not be well informed of this condition, the blood pressure in the body is the force of the person’s blood as it pushes against the body’s artery walls. This force is generated with each heartbeat, with blood pumping from the heart and into the body’s blood vessels.



When measuring one’s blood pressure, two numbers are being recorded by the physician: the number on top or systolic pressure, which measures the pressure from the artery where the heart is contracting and pumping blood into the body; and the lower number or diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure inside the artery as the heart rests and fills with blood. Both of these measurements are indicated as "mm Hg", representing the level of mercury raised by the blood’s pressure.



According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, there are two stages of high blood pressure measured for adults. Stage one emits a 140- 159 mm Hg systolic pressure and 90-99 mm Hg diastolic pressure, while stage two emits a 160 and above systolic pressure and 100 and above diastolic pressure. Prehypertension normally gauges at 120-139 mm Hg systolic pressure and 80-89 mm Hg diastolic pressure, while normal blood pressure should be less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic pressure.



San Joaquin Hospital as well as other hospitals in every state provides blood pressure measurements for those who might be having high blood pressure. Individuals that are more prone to high blood pressure are those with diabetes, gout, or kidney disease. High blood pressure is also prevalent in individuals that are in their early to mid-adult years, or from mid- to later adult years.



San Joaquin Hospital medical staff, as well as any other health care practitioner would agree that being obese and lacking in exercise are also common causes of high blood pressure. To control this, individuals must follow a strict healthy diet that can help deal with their condition.



San Joaquin Hospital Bakersfield and other local hospitals in your state can easily measure and detect high blood pressure. Although the physician might need more than just one measurement to assess your condition, it would be better for you to monitor your blood pressure for your own benefit.