Your Path to Wellness – What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is determined by two things: the amount of blood the heart pumps and how hard it is for the blood to move through the arteries. Blood pressure is divided into four general categories;

• Normal is lower than 120/80 mmHg.
• Elevated is when the top number is higher than 121 and lower than 130 mmHg and the bottom number is above 80 mmHg.
• Stage 1 Hypertension – top number ranges from 130-139 mmHg and the bottom number is between 80-89 mmHg.
• Stage 2 Hypertension – top number is 140 or higher and the bottom is 90 mmHg or higher.

Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. It’s important to have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.

Most people don’t know if they have high blood pressure because it doesn’t have any symptoms unless it’s severe. The best way to check if you have high blood pressure is through regular check-ups or you can monitor blood pressure at home. Sometimes just getting a health checkup causes blood pressure to increase. This is called white coat hypertension.

Prevention includes maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt intake, and regular exercise. Foods to eat include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Exercise like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can help manage hypertension. Stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are beneficial. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are crucial.

Managing hypertension requires regular monitoring that can be done at home, or through regular check-ups, medication adherence, and following a healthy lifestyle.