Blood Pressure: Frequently Asked Questions
What is blood pressure?
When the heart beats, blood is pumped to the arteries, and it creates a pressure. The blood pressure is the result of two forces. The first force is created when the blood is pumped through the arteries and the circulatory system. The second force is created when the arteries resist the blood flow.
What is a "normal" blood pressure?
According to the American Heart Association, a person's blood pressure should not rise above 140/90 mm Hg.
What do the two numbers mean in the blood pressure measurement?
The higher number is the systolic number. It represents the pressure when the heart is beating. The lower number is the diastolic number. It represents the pressure between the beats.
If a patient's blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mm Hg, what conditions might a patient be at risk to develop?
A patient with a blood pressure reading 140/90 mm Hg or higher might be at risk of heart attack, stroke, or many other medical problems.
How many Americans have high blood pressure?
According to the American Heart Association, one in four Americans has high blood pressure. Nearly one-third of those with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition.
What factors contribute to high blood pressure?
Controllable factors include, but are not limited to, obesity, high consumption of salt, heavy and regular use of alcohol, lack of exercise, and high levels of stress. Uncontrollable factors include, but are not limited to, race, heredity, and age.
How do race, heredity, and age factor into a person's propensity for developing high blood pressure?
African-Americans tend to develop high blood pressure more often than Caucasians. High blood pressure also runs in families. Finally, the older a person is, the more likely he or she is to develop high blood pressure. Typically, high blood pressure first occurs in adults between the ages of 35-50. Women most often develop high blood pressure after menopause.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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