Hypertension

Released: May 1, 2008

Thump-thump….thump-thump….thump-thump……

That’s the sound of your heart beating. During times of great distress and panic, it beats faster; other times, it beats much slower. But what is the big deal about blood pressure?

Everybody has — and needs — blood pressure. Without it, blood can't circulate through the body. And without circulating blood, vital organs can't get the oxygen and food that they need to work. So it's important to know about blood pressure and how to keep it within a healthy level. Normal blood pressure falls within a range; it's not one set of numbers.

When the heart beats, it pumps blood to the arteries and creates pressure in them. This pressure (blood pressure) results from two forces. The first force is created as blood pumps into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The second is created as the arteries resist the blood flow.

If you're healthy, your arteries are muscular and elastic. They stretch when your heart pumps blood through them. How much they stretch depends on how much force the blood exerts.

Your heart beats about 60 to 80 times a minute under normal conditions. Your blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls when your heart relaxes between beats. Your blood pressure can change from minute to minute, with changes in posture, exercise or sleeping, but it should normally be less than 120/80 for an adult. Blood pressure that stays between 120-139/80-89 is considered prehypertension and above this level (140/90 or higher) is considered high (hypertension). Your doctor may take several readings over time before deciding whether your blood pressure is high.

In Surry County, a recent survey revealed that county residents considered high blood pressure a serious problem to their overall health, a finding echoed by the overwhelming number of deaths due to heart attack and stroke.

Hypertension is a serious medical condition that can be regulated with a few lifestyle changes.

By simply losing a little weight, you could lower your blood pressure by as much as 5 to 20 points. By limiting your salt intake, you could lower your blood pressure by as many as 8 points; and by exercising as little as 30 minutes a day, your blood pressure may be lowered by as many as 9 points.

Doctors recommend lifestyle changes before trying medications. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor to see what may best work for you. By lowering your blood pressure, you reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack.