Heart
Your Family's Guide to Understanding the Heart
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (HBP) is a serious medical condition that manifests no symptoms but acquiring the condition may lead to coronary heart failure, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other problems that pertain to ones health.
High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means a high pressure (tension) in the arteries. The arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to the other tissues and organs of the body.
The blood pressure numbers are written with the systolic number on top or before the diastolic, such as 120/80 mmHg. (The mmHg is millimeters of mercury - the units used to measure blood pressure.) A blood pressure that is normal is below 120/80; a blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is already considered high.
The top number obtained from a reading of blood pressure is the systolic blood pressure, it corresponds to the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, is the diastolic pressure, this represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure in which the arteries are exposed.
A rise in the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart (cardiac) disease, kidney (renal) disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis), eye damage, and stroke (brain damage). These complications brought about by hypertension are often referred to as end-organ damage, because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. For that reason, the diagnosis of high blood pressure is extremely important so as efforts can be made to normalize blood pressure and prevent future complications.
Previously, it was thought that the rise in diastolic blood pressure was a more important risk factor than systolic elevations, but it has now been known that in people fifty years or older systolic hypertension gives a greater risk.
Those who have HBP should act and take necessary steps to control it and reduce their risks for related health problems that HBP brings. Key steps to be taken include following a healthy lifestyle, having ongoing medical care, and following the treatment plan that the doctor prescribes.
By: Jay K.
High Blood Pressure Recommended Resources:
Health Link - Medical College of Wisconsin
University of Maryland Medical Center
Lance Forbes 14.04.09 at 00:14amWhen you found out that you have a high blood pressure, do not panic and self medicate. consult your medical doctor for proper medicine.
Keith Morrison 27.04.09 at 06:49amOne way to quickly attend to your high blood pressure is eating garlic. You need to fry at least a teaspoon of garlic and eat it straight. It will help lower the blood pressure. Then, consult your doctor.
mike minick 30.08.09 at 09:19ami usally have high blood pressure but today blood opressure is low 84 - 54 and am dizzy what is gouing on ?
fidel 30.08.09 at 09:50ami checked my blood pressure recently and it is 120 /90 is it normal
mattirea Taylor 14.09.09 at 06:38ami checked my bloodpressure and it was 142/92. Is that normal?
Gladys 18.09.09 at 11:43amFor at least 8 months I have been having problems of quick dizziness, only to come and find out that I have high blood pressure. When I went to the hospital for another health problem, the blood pressure showed 143/90 then one taken the 2nd time 152/92 and the third was 166/92
Would a good exercise plan make the difference to help reduce high blood pressure? What cause high blood pressure? Is cholesterol part of the problem to cause high blood pressure.
I hope to hear from you.
Thank you
Gladys...
Would a good exercise plan make the difference to help reduce high blood pressure? What cause high blood pressure? Is cholesterol part of the problem to cause high blood pressure.
I hope to hear from you.
Thank you
Gladys...
Evelyn Nameroff 25.09.09 at 13:11pmI have high blood pressure and this morning I got dizzy and broke out in a cold sweat and almost passed out until I collapsed on the bed. My husband took my blood pressure and is was 70 over 40. It has now risen to 117 over 56. What causes this to happen?
Please answer. Thanks, Evelyn
Please answer. Thanks, Evelyn
kim 28.09.09 at 10:12ammy blood pressure is 94/88 is it low what can i do for it to be back normal.
Denise 30.09.09 at 03:36amI have been diagnosed with hbp and am taking meds. for it. today my bp fluxuating between 136/100 and 162/111. right now it is 144/107. what should I do?
Vicki Stone 03.10.09 at 08:45amMy blood pressure has always been 110/70. However, I recently started taking allergy shots and at the same time I starting taking them, my blood pressure has increased to 147/92. Could the increase be a side effect of the allergy shots?
Gloria Farrell 04.10.09 at 10:29amI am Gloria Farrell, I always have low blood pressure reading, feel dizzy most of the time.
Please let me know how to handle this problem.
Thank you.
Please let me know how to handle this problem.
Thank you.
Doris 05.10.09 at 13:10pmI have been on blood presure medication for a number of years. I am 75 and visiting my daughter in Canada and my blood pressure took a sudden increase 200/104 what could cause this and should I cut my trip short and return home.
Sally 14.10.09 at 11:10amI have been having a lot of headaches that, after a while make my teeth, back of neck----just achey all over. I was put on BP meds a year ago, but no followup or change in prescription from my Dr. I've told him about the headaches, he thinks it is sinus related.
Opinion?
Opinion?
mary 18.10.09 at 15:25pmI just start feeling dizzy on friday, I tought it will be something that it will go away by sunday but still feeling dizzy, I dont know where to go to get checked, can someone please give me some ideas what to do,? I am 37 years old and I am oeverweight.
sherri wilkinson 21.10.09 at 12:54pmI need help I am 56 years old about 2 years ago I started having bouts of dizziness and headaches, it was thought to be an inner ear infection. But each time the dizziness happened my blood pressure was 160/92 sometime higher, which my pressure has always been 124/72 the top number would fluctuate a little lower. But every since then its been on the higher end more often then normal. But I am afraid to take bp meds due to the fact when it is normal they make me tired and I can not function. Doctors gave me Metropol 25 mg 1/2 tab 2times a day. He made me think and even said to take it when I need it, its just a beta blocker and will also help with my frequent rapid heart palpitations. He said athletes have taken it for runs and olympics..I am confused, I can not seem to get a straight answer should I take it every day or not. My blood pressure has been high for a few weeks now, my doctor is always busy and can not fit me in when its very high and I need to see him. My cardiologist gave me propanolol 40 mg tabs 1 2x a day for my rapid heart and he said take it when I need it also heck take two if I need to, and this will help my blood pressure also. So now what do I do, should I take both, are my doctors not taking to each other. They spend 10 seconds with you and double talk and you still are not sure what to do. Am I in danger of a heart attack, stroke. I called him today he still has not returned my call. And my pressure goes up even higher when I am upset. Any advice
Linda Eads 28.10.09 at 10:41amMy Mom is here from Colorado High altitude and is on blood pressure meds. She is having some problems like sudden drop in blood pressure. Can this be from the altitude change?
Cynthia Connolly 28.10.09 at 11:23amMy father had a cerebral hemmorrage on 8.2.2009 and a CVA on 10/12/2009. Currently he is on Lisinopril and Atenenol twice a day. His blood pressure continues to spike to around 188/102, usually around 6 pm. He taked the meds at breakfast and before bed. Would a different time be better or should I talk to his doctor about other medications for HBP? He also takes Advart, Well-Butrin, warfarin and 1 low dose aspirin. Thank you for any suggestions.
eugene 03.11.09 at 13:38pmi i usally have high blood pressure but today blood opressure is low 90/60 and am dizzy what is gouing on ?
Amedee 04.11.09 at 15:47pmHow long after a heart attack can I have a massage
mark sliney 05.11.09 at 18:42pmI have had a total of 6 readings of over 160/102 and higher,I know this is bad overtime but what is the time frame for real problems immediatly and can I take bp medicine from a freind short term till I can see a real doctor
colleen 06.11.09 at 19:24pmMy 21 year old white female daughter has type one diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hx of seizures. She is currently taking:
Methemisol 5 mg one daily
Metoprolol er succinate 25 mg. one daily
* was on Propanolol 60 mg, one daily for past 5 years but discontinued)
Novalog 40 units per day. Pump
Ambien 10 mg H.S.
Nuvaring BC 3 weeks internal and one week out.
Amanda is 5'8'', 120 lbs. She has been on medication to "slow" the "burning out" of her thyroid down. It's been 5+ years for this. She then began having heart racing with any activity. She takes dance, was on a dance team and liked to run but her heart would race and she would feel lightheaded. This is when they put her on Propanolol. She continued this for 5 years but was recently changed to Metoprolol.
Amanda has noticed a head rush kind of feeling when going from a laying to sitting or sitting to standing position. I checked her blood pressure and found her blood pressure dropped after she sat up or stood up. Her pulse would race at the same time.
She has been seen by a Cardiologist who gave her EKG (normal) and Stress test (normal).
She also regularly sees her endocrinologist. The doctor says she's doing ok but her HGA1C is 7.6.
I have been trying to check Web M.D. but can't figure out how to place symptoms. Could you help point me in the right direction. Thank you, Colleen
Methemisol 5 mg one daily
Metoprolol er succinate 25 mg. one daily
* was on Propanolol 60 mg, one daily for past 5 years but discontinued)
Novalog 40 units per day. Pump
Ambien 10 mg H.S.
Nuvaring BC 3 weeks internal and one week out.
Amanda is 5'8'', 120 lbs. She has been on medication to "slow" the "burning out" of her thyroid down. It's been 5+ years for this. She then began having heart racing with any activity. She takes dance, was on a dance team and liked to run but her heart would race and she would feel lightheaded. This is when they put her on Propanolol. She continued this for 5 years but was recently changed to Metoprolol.
Amanda has noticed a head rush kind of feeling when going from a laying to sitting or sitting to standing position. I checked her blood pressure and found her blood pressure dropped after she sat up or stood up. Her pulse would race at the same time.
She has been seen by a Cardiologist who gave her EKG (normal) and Stress test (normal).
She also regularly sees her endocrinologist. The doctor says she's doing ok but her HGA1C is 7.6.
I have been trying to check Web M.D. but can't figure out how to place symptoms. Could you help point me in the right direction. Thank you, Colleen
sanjay 18.11.09 at 01:00ami have blood preasure of 70 / 110 is this low? i feel uneasy.
rosecombs 18.11.09 at 16:56pmI have GAD and taking seratin for it. Because of this disorder I have been diagnosed with HBP and taking Lexapro 40 mg. Still when I go to my doctor my blood pressure is high 140/85-160/88, I know I have whitecoat syndrome,because I can feel the tension when I am at the doctors. When I take it elswhere, as long as I am not in the middle of anxiety it runs 1122/75 - 134/85. My docotor wants to give me a different medicene to take with the ones I have. Should I keep increasing my medicene even though I am sure it is anxiety at the doctors? I hate to just keep uping my medicene, when as soon as I get out of there it is OK.
boris 20.11.09 at 20:50pmI have 145/90, what natual fruits are helping me to lower my blood pressure
sabri 21.11.09 at 12:17pmam 81 my blood pr. fluctuate 165 to 114 pulse 48 to 74
diastol 64 to77
sometimes 166/67 62 157/57 52
120/62 60 165/60 49
113/60 53 109/62 50
is it serios med disorder
no medication apart from advair 125mg once/day
any effort make me panting huh huh 32+ hnhale/min go back to normal once stop effort such as running or other exersize wheezy chest sometimes
urinate twice at night normal durik day
clestrol borderline no diabetic
whats warrying me is low pulse and low diastolis
diastol 64 to77
sometimes 166/67 62 157/57 52
120/62 60 165/60 49
113/60 53 109/62 50
is it serios med disorder
no medication apart from advair 125mg once/day
any effort make me panting huh huh 32+ hnhale/min go back to normal once stop effort such as running or other exersize wheezy chest sometimes
urinate twice at night normal durik day
clestrol borderline no diabetic
whats warrying me is low pulse and low diastolis
sabri 21.11.09 at 12:54pmam 81 my blood pr. fluctuate 165 to 114 pulse 48 to 74
diastol 64 to77
sometimes 166/67 62 157/57 52
120/62 60 165/60 49
113/60 53 109/62 50
is it serios med disorder
no medication apart from advair 125mg once/day
any effort make me panting huh huh 32+ hnhale/min go back to normal once stop effort such as running or other exersize wheezy chest sometimes
urinate twice at night normal durik day
clestrol borderline no diabetic
whats warrying me is low pulse and low diastolis
h=160cm w=69 kg. bulging tummy
diastol 64 to77
sometimes 166/67 62 157/57 52
120/62 60 165/60 49
113/60 53 109/62 50
is it serios med disorder
no medication apart from advair 125mg once/day
any effort make me panting huh huh 32+ hnhale/min go back to normal once stop effort such as running or other exersize wheezy chest sometimes
urinate twice at night normal durik day
clestrol borderline no diabetic
whats warrying me is low pulse and low diastolis
h=160cm w=69 kg. bulging tummy
Tommy 24.11.09 at 15:08pmToday I went to the doctor because of dizziness and weekness thinking that it may be blood pressure related. I am a 5' 10" 178# white male 52 years old and have been on colesterol medication for about 20 years. My BP has been consistently 120/80 and I have been very active in sports my whole life, including today. Of course, the only exercise I really get now is during the summer while playing softball.
High colesterol runs in the family on my dad's side but no one has ever had other complications related to it. My grandmother and her sisters all have the high colesterol problem. My grandmother died at 90 and her sisters are still alive and around 90.
Today the doctor found that my blood pressure varied too much from the laying down to standing up position. He mentioned that my BP would drop to normal when I stood up but elevate while laying down. He then did an EKG (normal) and blood work which I should hear the results tomorrow. Needless to say he was confused. For now he sent me home to rest where I feel pefectly fine.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for me?
High colesterol runs in the family on my dad's side but no one has ever had other complications related to it. My grandmother and her sisters all have the high colesterol problem. My grandmother died at 90 and her sisters are still alive and around 90.
Today the doctor found that my blood pressure varied too much from the laying down to standing up position. He mentioned that my BP would drop to normal when I stood up but elevate while laying down. He then did an EKG (normal) and blood work which I should hear the results tomorrow. Needless to say he was confused. For now he sent me home to rest where I feel pefectly fine.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for me?
jeremy hutson 25.11.09 at 19:17pmI've had high blood pressure for about 5 to 6 months. When i found out i had anxiety issues. Im 38 years old. i do take blood pressure medicine bit i forget to take it.
Jamie Cowgill 29.11.09 at 12:48pmI take a half of 40-25 tablet of benicar for HBP - I heard that I can no longer have grapefruit because it inhibits or stops the effectiveness of HBP medications. Is that true for all or only certain ones?
mike donovant 29.11.09 at 13:50pmmy b/p runs around86/49.feeldizzy if I movefast
have alot of hot flashes I am a male 49 take b/p meds and have 2 stints thanks
have alot of hot flashes I am a male 49 take b/p meds and have 2 stints thanks
Debra Kilpatrick 01.12.09 at 15:54pmWhat causes blood pressure to go from a normal range of 127/82 to drop to 93/63?
Rainbow 04.12.09 at 18:53pmStop relying on doctors - this is why you are sick! To get well, add organic raw apple cider vinegar to your food. Drink it with water - you can add honey (i.e. 1 table spoon of raw apple cider vinegar & 1 tablespoon of raw honey). Read on the internet about its benefits (curezone.com). Fresh squeezed juices are great - they will cleanse and nourish your your blood (Norman Walker, Ann Wigmore). Walk more outside. Ad raw vegetables and fruit to your diet. Carrots have great fiber. Don't eat bread. If you do, take enzymes with it or enzyme rich food.
Cleanse your colon either by an enema followed by Acidophiles and fresh juices.
Drink calming teas. Don't eat junk. Start drinking kefir.
Drugs don't cure - they bring damaging side effects. They keep the disease in you forever.
Cleanse your colon either by an enema followed by Acidophiles and fresh juices.
Drink calming teas. Don't eat junk. Start drinking kefir.
Drugs don't cure - they bring damaging side effects. They keep the disease in you forever.
peggy 03.01.10 at 16:43pmi have hbp and other problems. can u tell me if u know of anyone getting a cough from there bp meds and what they can take that wont cause a cough. i take diovan hct, this has happened before with other bp meds. i have to take the bp meds because of a brain anyursm i had do to hbp.
Walker B Vaught 11.01.10 at 22:44pmI just need a blood pressure meter and i saw online that i could get one free so i'm trying.
Joyce Danielson 15.01.10 at 13:13pmon the show today this man made up his own salt
subistute what was it
subistute what was it
ADAM FOKEERBUX 17.01.10 at 16:00pmGladys wrote:
For at least 8 months I have been having problems of quick dizziness, only to come and find out that I have high blood pressure. When I went to the hospital for another health problem, the blood pressure showed 143/90 then one taken the 2nd time 152/92 and the third was 166/92Would a good exercise plan make the difference to help reduce high blood pressure? What cause high blood pressure? Is cholesterol part of the problem to cause high blood pressure.I hope to hear from you.Thank youGladys...
Hugh Nurse 09.02.10 at 15:38pmI'm an online retailer of homecare medical supplies. I'm constantly in search of new resources to provide my clientele with the most up to date information regarding their illnesses. As such I'm requesting permission to provide a link from my site to www.familymedguide.com thus providing them with anoher reliable and informative source.
Gina 12.02.10 at 15:52pmI am 25years old. Im feeling dizzy and seeing blurry..I just checked my blood pressure and it was 135/97. Is this normal?
Sandra 23.02.10 at 08:50amdecember 2002 was admitted to the hospital (first time ever) with what they thought was congestive heart failure?!! My blood pressure was elevated and I had A LOT of fluid retention.. I had recently put on 100 lbs in 4 -5 year time period. Since then I haven't lost much of this excess weight but felt fairly good. I am taking a diuretic/potassium supplement blood pressure pill once daily. I have lately felt nauseous and dizzy.. My stomach feels bloated and I dont have energy. I havent been checking my blood pressure I need a new monitor plus I need to go back for my routine ck-up. Im just wondering if my blood pressure is fluxurating causing me to be so uncomfortable????
lula 06.03.10 at 13:19pmOne of the side effects of BP meds is persistant cough.
Hyzaar is the only thing I know of that doesn't cause cough.
Hyzaar is the only thing I know of that doesn't cause cough.
Jackie Carter 07.03.10 at 15:52pmWhat is too low for blood pressure? My husband has been having low reading all day. At rest it was 84/45 with pulse at 60. I am worried his heart is slowing down.
trina tomes 13.03.10 at 02:16amIm a 27 year old female. everyday i tend to feel dizzy and light headed. i try to eat right but seam to fall off due to my work. last time i went to the hospital my bp was 224/102? i have been on meds a few infact, and yet my bp still is way to high. what should i do? and is there any thing i can do to make the dr's and local hospital do? PLEASE HELP. thank you
Grant 30.03.10 at 09:47amI have fluctuating blood preasure it goes from 111/71 on one day to 130/100 the next im not sure why i dont drink or smoke or any thing so there isnt any real reason why this is happening
robert weiss 17.04.10 at 15:43pmwhat effect does high altitude have on blood pressure?
janet 28.04.10 at 17:55pmI have been taking blood pressure meds for about 6 years now, and have gained weight that I just can't get off. can these meds have caused the problem ?
Rosa 06.05.10 at 11:29amHave hignblood pressure take 50/25 atenolol-chlorthal.
what are the symptons if taken the medication twice on the same day in error.
what are the symptons if taken the medication twice on the same day in error.
cindy 12.05.10 at 10:51ammy blood pressure varies alot on the left side it was 208 over 119 on the right side it was 145 over 90 i used a wrist monitor i did it two days in a row and both days were around those numbers is this common
heath 22.05.10 at 18:54pmmy blood pressure is usuallt 135/90 the last couple times i have checked it,it has been at 152/96.i have also started working a midnight shift,would the work be causing the raise in blood pressure?what should i do to lower it?
sandy goodwin 24.05.10 at 20:12pmI have asthma and i am wheezing, can't sleep or eat.My blood pressure went up to 146/129 with a pulse of 101. Is this dangerous.
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