Friendship Lutheran Church of Joy

BLOOD PRESSURE

Today I would like to talk about high blood pressure, known as hypertension. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against artery walls as it courses through the body. Like air in a tire or water in a hose, blood fills arteries to a certain capacity. High blood pressure can lead to life threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, or eye problems. A blood pressure reading appears as two numbers. The top systolic and the bottom diastolic. The systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood. Diastolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure rises steadily from about 90/60 at birth to about 120/80 for a healthy adult. It is natural for blood pressure to rise and fall with changes in activity or emotional state. But when blood pressure remains consistently high, treatment should be sought as the forces of the heart to work are far beyond it’s capacity. Hypertension not only injures the blood vessels, but can damage the brain, eyes and kidneys. People with readings of 140/90 or higher on at least two occasions are said to have hypertension.

People with readings of 200/120 or higher need treatment immediately. People with diabetes are treated if their blood pressure rises above 130/80, since they already have a high risk of heart disease. There are generally no symptoms of high blood pressure so you usually don’t feel it. If your blood pressure is extremely high there are some symptoms to look for. ; severe headaches, chest pain, pounding in your chest, neck or ears, fatigue or confusion, difficulty in breathing,

vision problems, irregular heartbeat, blood in your urine. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Get your blood pressure checked out at least every two years or as your doctor suggests. If your blood pressure is borderline high 120-139/80-89, have it checked every year or as your doctor suggests. If your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, talk with your doctor.

The exact causes of hypertension are unknown, but the

following factors may play a role: Smoking, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, family history, obesity, too much salt intake chronic kidney disease, stress, old age,

genetics, and adrenal and thyroid disorders. It is important to be informed about hypertension so you can avoid it ‘s consequences.