Many people are treated today with medication for high blood pressure otherwise known as Hypertension.  But what exactly is blood pressure and how does high blood pressure affect the body?

To begin with, blood pressure is the force in the vessels that carry blood throughout the body when the heart beats and relaxes.

It is defined as two numbers.  The top number is known is Systolic pressure and it is the force exerted when the heart beats.  The bottom number is then known as Diastolic pressure and it is the force when the heart is relaxed between beats.  Normal blood pressure is a top number (Systolic) less than 120 and bottom number (Diastolic) less than 80.  High blood pressure is prevalent in middle aged to elderly individuals, obese people, heavy drinkers and smokers and those with a family history of Hypertension.

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure by damaging the vessels that lead to these body organs.  It can also cause blurred vision or even blindness.  So how do we prevent high blood pressure?

• Decrease Sodium and salt intake
• Eat a health well balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise
• Quit Smoking
• Limit Alcohol intake
• Reduce stress

Again following these recommendations does not guararntee you will have normal blood pressure.  Your family history and genetics is something that you cannot change.   Hypertension is usually silent in regards to symptoms.  That is many people do not even realize they have it.  Thus, you should have your blood pressure checked occasionally.