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Measurement of the pressure exerted by the blood in the vessels in the body Upper reading - Systolic Pressure exerted at the moment the heart contracts and the blood is pumped from the ventricles into the aorta. Point when pressure in the vessels is highest. Lower reading - Diastolic Pressure exerted at the momentv when the heart muscle is relaxed, and the ventricles are again filled with blood. Point when pressure in the vessels is lowest. The pressure in the blood vessels thus continuously fluctuates between the higher and lower pressures as the blood is pumped through the body.

What is the criteria for having high blood pressure? The World Health Organization suggest the optimal level should be 120/80 mm Hg. A reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher would be classed as hypertension. What causes high blood pressure? The causes are not yet fully understood. However, common risk factors include an inherited disposition, being overweight, smoking, stress and high consumption of salt. What is the difference between high blood pressure and hypertension? Nothing ! They are simply different ways of describing the same condition. What does having hypertension or high blood pressure mean? Having higher pressure in the blood vessels can lead to cardiovascular disease - the ‘furring’ up of the arteries, heart damage, heart attack and can trigger a stroke. Hypertension does not mean emotional tension. Should my blood pressure always be the same? NO. Blood pressure constantly changes throughout the day, and is influenced by factors such as physical activity, stress or excitement. That is why readings can fluctuate when taken at different times of the day.

What are the two readings? What do they mean? When blood pressure is measured we get an upper (systolic) and a lower (diastolic) blood pressure reading which, read together, tell you what your blood pressure is. The upper blood pressure reading, the systolic reading, refers to the pressure exerted at the moment when the heart muscle contracts and the blood is pumped from the ventricles (veins) into the aorta of the heart. This is when the pressure in the blood vessels is at it’s highest point. The lower reading, the diastolic reading, refers to the pressure exerted at the moment when the heart muscle is relaxed, and the ventricles are again filled with blood. This is the point when the blood pressure in the vessels is at its lowest point. As a result ones blood pressure constantly fluctuates between the upper systolic and the lower diastolic levels as the blood is pumped through the heart and the body. What does the Pulse reading mean? This relates to your heart rate.

The causes of high blood pressure have not yet been fully understood. Some potential causes could be: Disease (eg kidneys, adrenal gland). Genetic inheritance. High salt intake, overweight, smoking (cause or contribute). Blood pressure reading can be affected by a number of factors including: –Age –Physical activity –Time of day –Excitement

High blood pressure increases the chance (or risk) of getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and of having a stroke. It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Some common complaints include: Sleep disturbance Dry mouth Emotional upsets Some common misconceptions include: Headaches Going red in the face It has to be measured for you to know!!

120/80 mmHg* 130/85 mmHg* 140/90 mmHg* Optimal Normal High normal High High blood pressure can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease kills more people in the UK than any other disease* - there are an estimated preventable deaths per year.** Around 1 in 5 people in the UK have high blood pressure - that is 10 million people, it is estimated that 1 in 2 people over 50 suffer from the disease.* 50% of all people with high blood pressure are undiagnosed.*** 86% of all hypertensives are not or not sufficiently treated.**** 81% of Brits prefer to self diagnose***** using home testing machines. * BBC medical conditions ** Journal of human hypertension *** British Blood Pressure Association 03 **** Worldwide (Source: WHO) *****Mintel report 2003

Blood pressure is measured by two common non-invasive methods, usually on the wrist or upper arm: 1. Auscultation method using Korotkow sounds Advantages: Easy to apply Auscultation method is the standard doctors method, but getting an exact reading can be difficult even for experienced listeners Disadvantages: Non-continuous measurement Difficult to get an exact reading A quiet environment is essential for auscultation Experience is essential 2. Oscillatory method - commonly used on wrist or upper arm Advantages: Quick and easy automated measurement Easily applicable if taken on the the wrist A quiet environment is not necessary Disadvantage: Non-continuous measurement

Rules for patients suffering from high blood pressure* 1.Exercise regularly 2. If overweight lose some pounds gradually. 3.Restrict and reduce common consumption of salt 4.Give up smoking 5.Try to avoid stressful situations and learn to relax. 6.Avoid alcohol 7.Get enough sleep to ensure feeling fully refreshed and be able to cope with challenging situations.