Blood pressure (BP) refers to the force of blood against the walls of the arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension.
When blood pressure is too high, the heart has to work harder than normal to get blood to all parts of the body, and there is also increased pressure on all of the blood vessels.
Blood pressure readings that are usually higher than 120/80 are considered too high and unhealthy.
Generally, people with high blood pressure do not feel any symptoms. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked – which you should do at least once a year. Usually, it takes three readings to determine a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
High blood pressure has no cure, but it can be treated and controlled. Take control of high blood pressure by seeing your doctor regularly and:
Prolonged and untreated high blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked recently, make an appointment to see your doctor today. Keep your blood pressure low and enjoy a full active life!