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(also referred to as...)

Hypertension

 
Description

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the blood cannot successfully flow through blood vessels, resulting in a blockage of the arteries. This blockage is known as arteriosclerosis, or clogged arteries, and is produced by a build-up of cholesterol on the artery walls. The blood has difficulty flowing through this narrow passageway and causes an increase in blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for a heart attack or stroke.

"Blood pressure" relates to measured resistance for each time the heart beats and sends blood flowing through the arteries. When determining blood pressure numbers, a sphygmomanometer's mercury column (mm Hg) is read and the individual obtains a systolic and diastolic pressure amount.

Systolic: The pressure exerted by the blood while the heart is pumping. This is blood pressure at its highest.

Diastolic: Pressure when the heart is resting between beats. This is blood pressure at its lowest.

A normal pressure reading is 120/80. Hypertension is indicated with readings of 140/90, with extreme cases being 160/95 to 180/115.

Elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for a heart attack or stroke. Over sixty million Americans have high blood pressure and it is a leading cause of death in North America each year. It is imperative that people make healthy lifestyle decisions to reduce the chance of developing hypertension.

 

Symptoms and Signs:

Many people do not realize they have hypertension until they develop some of the long term effects. Some signs are rapid pulse rate, excessive sweating, headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Arteriosclerosis is detected by circulatory problems, leg pain, and ear ringing.

 

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