Hypertension / Blood Pressure
Maintain a Desirable Blood Pressure
High
blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can damage arteries
and put undue stress on the cardiovascular system. The pumping action
of the heart pushes blood into the arteries with enough force to
keep it flowing forward throughout the entire body. The amount of
blood pumped out of the heart and the tone of the arteries (peripheral
resistance) determine the amount of tension pushing against the
walls of the arteries. This is what makes up our blood pressure.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The top number is the systolic blood pressure, or the pressure in the arteries while the heart is contracting. The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure, or the pressure of the arteries when the heart is relaxing.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
High blood pressure is not determined with one blood pressure reading. It is determined with several reading over a period of time. When you have a blood pressure that consistently is above 135/80, you are said to have high blood pressure. Only a physician can diagnose it and provide recommendations to reduce the blood pressure to a normal level.
When left untreated, high blood pressure causes the heart muscle to weaken (because it is constantly working harder against the increased resistance in the blood vessels), and can lead to heart failure. It accelerates the development of coronary artery narrowing and increases the risk of heart attacks. It also increases the risk of strokes, kidney damage and aneurysms (bulges) in an artery.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Only your Inova physician can accurately diagnose and treat hypertension. Continue to see your Inova physician on a regular basis. In addition, do your part by monitoring your blood pressure on a regular basis (as directed by your physician) and keeping a log of your blood pressures to provide feedback on how well it is being controlled. Medication is not the first step in managing blood pressure. Other things should be tried first.
If your blood pressure cannot be controlled through lifestyle changes, you may need to take a medication. The best medication for you depends on many factors (your age, and other health conditions may play a role). Whatever high blood pressure medication your Inova physician prescribes, you may need to take it for the rest of your life.
