Thursday, March 10, 2011

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is actually the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is measured in mm Hg. Typical values for a healthy adult human are approximately 120/80. But, if the blood pressure reading is equal to or above 140 over 90 mm Hg, then that means the concerned person is suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension has been called the "silent killer" because it usually produces no symptoms. Untreated hypertension increases slowly over the years. Hypertension can cause certain organs (called target organs), including the kidney, eyes, and heart, to deteriorate over time. Malignant hypertension, an emergency condition resulting from untreated primary hypertension, can be lethal. It is important, therefore, for anyone with risk factors to have their blood pressure checked regularly and to make appropriate lifestyle changes.
   Symptoms of high blood pressure include drowsiness, confusion, headache, nausea, loss of vision.  Some basic steps that may be followed to check High Blood Pressure or Hypertension:
  - Be physical active by regular exercise, walking, yoga etc.
  - Maintain a healthy body weight.
  - Follow a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods.
  - Avoid alcoholic beverages.
  - Quit smoking.
  - Have a low salt intake.

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