Hypertension, is the medical term for High blood pressure (HBP). It is a serious condition that can lead to ischaemic heart disease (also called coronary heart/artery disease), heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems.
"Blood pressure" is the force of blood pressing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.
HOW COMMON?
In 3rd Malaysian National Health Survey, 42% o fadult older than 30 years old have hypertension.
The condition itself usually has no symptoms. You can have it for years without feeling sick or any other abnormality. During this time, the high blood pressure can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of your body.
Knowing your blood pressure numbers is important, even when you're feeling fine. If your blood pressure is normal, you can work with your health care team to keep it that way. If your blood pressure is too high, treatment may help prevent damage to your body's organs.
BLOOD PRESSURE STANDARD
Blood pressure is measured as systolic (sis-TOL-ik) and diastolic (di-a-STOL-ik) pressures. "Systolic" refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. "Diastolic" refers to blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
You most often will see blood pressure numbers written with the systolic number above or before the diastolic number, such as 120/80 mmHg. (The mmHg is millimeters of mercury—the units used to measure blood pressure.)
Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults (measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg)
Category
|
Systolic
|
Diastolic
| |
Normal
|
<=120
|
And
|
<=80
|
Pre hypertension
|
121-139
|
Or
|
81-89
|
Hypertension Grade 1
|
140-159
|
Or
|
90-99
|
Grade 2
|
160-179
|
Or
|
100-109
|
Grade 3
|
>=180
|
Or
|
>=110
|
The ranges in the table apply to most adults (aged 18 and older) who don't have short-term serious illnesses.
Blood pressure doesn't stay the same all the time. It lowers as you sleep and rises when you wake up. Blood pressure also rises when you're excited, nervous, or active. If your numbers stay above normal most of the time, you're at risk for health problems.
All levels above 120/80 mmHg raise your risk, and the risk grows as blood pressure numbers rise. "Prehypertension" means you're likely to end up with HBP, unless you take steps to prevent it.
If you're being treated for HBP and have repeat readings in the normal range, your blood pressure is under control. However, you still have the condition. You should see your doctor and follow your treatment plan to keep your blood pressure under control.
Your systolic and diastolic numbers may not be in the same blood pressure category. In this case, the more severe category is the one you're in. For example, if your systolic number is 160 and your diastolic number is 80, you have Grade 2 HBP. If your systolic number is 120 and your diastolic number is 95, you have Grade 1 HBP.
If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, HBP is defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher. HBP numbers also differ for children and teens.
OUTLOOK
Blood pressure tends to rise with age. Following a healthy lifestyle helps some people delay or prevent this rise in blood pressure.
People who have HBP can take steps to control it and reduce their risk of related health problems. Key steps include following a healthy lifestyle, having ongoing medical care, and following your treatment plan.
Source: National Institute of Health, USA
Edited by Dr Dicky Ng
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