High Blood Pressure

TL;DR

Condition where the force of blood against artery walls is too high.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common medical condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This condition can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded with two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number) indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure (the lower number) represents the pressure in the arteries between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 140/90 mmHg.

Managing high blood pressure involves lifestyle changes and medication. Key lifestyle modifications include maintaining a healthy diet low in salt, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. Medications may include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers, among others.

Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial for individuals with hypertension.

In a first aid scenario, it is important to recognize the symptoms of hypertensive emergencies, such as severe headache, vision problems, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, and seek immediate medical help. Controlling high blood pressure can prevent complications and improve overall health.

Managing High Blood Pressure

• Regular Monitoring: Keep track of blood pressure readings.
• Medication: Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, reduce salt intake, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol.

Takeaway to remember

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Reference

• First Aid eBook