Hypertension is blood pressure readings raised above the accepted norm on several occasions. Untreated high blood pressure can be serious because it can cause or contribute to;
• Heart disease
• Stokes
• Complications of diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Aneurysm
If you want your blood pressure checking, please make an appointment with one of out health care assistants.
We recommend everyone have his or her blood pressure checked every 3 to 5 years if under 65, and yearly if you are over 65.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure reading is the pressure of blood in the arteries measured in millimetres of mercury. Your blood pressure is recorded as 2 figures, the higher is the systolic, the pressure in the arteries when the heartbeats, the lower figure is the diastolic, the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting in between beats.
If you have high blood pressure, either of both readings can be raised.
What is considered to be normal blood pressure?
A blood pressure [BP] of 140/85 or lower is considered to be desirable in most people. Some people with certain medical conditions should have readings lower that that, including diabetes and those with kidney disease.
The target usually accepted at the surgery is 150/90 or below. If you BP is above this one three or more occasions we will recommend having blood and other tests and your GP may wish to treat you with tablets.
What can you do to prevent hypertension or reduce your BP reading if raised?
• Maintain an ideal weight or loose weight if over weight
• Stop smoking [this can bring down you BP by a few points]
• Reduce your intake of salt in your diet
• Take regular exercise
• Take safe levels of alcohol. [Alcohol increases BP]
• Follow health eating plan, low fat and with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
For more information click here.
You may also be interested in the following articles:
NHS- Blood Pressure
BBC- Hypertension