Blood Pressure: An Overview
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries as it is pumped through the body by the heart. It is an important indicator of cardiovascular health, and is used to diagnose and manage many conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease (Lipkin, 2018). High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease, and is linked to an increased risk of death from all causes (CDC, 2020).
The measurement of blood pressure is typically done with a sphygmomanometer, a device that measures the pressure of the blood in the arteries. It works by placing an inflatable cuff around the upper arm that is connected to a gauge. As the cuff is inflated, it increases the pressure against the walls of the artery, and as it is released, the pressure is measured and displayed on the gauge. The measurement is usually expressed as two numbers, a systolic pressure and a diastolic pressure, which represent the highest and lowest pressure readings, respectively (Lipkin, 2018).
High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or more, and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or more (CDC, 2020). It is a common condition that affects an estimated 75 million adults in the United States (CDC, 2019). Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it is usually asymptomatic, and can often go unnoticed until a major health event occurs.
The cause of high blood pressure is not always known, but there are several risk factors associated with it, including age, family history, weight, smoking, and certain medical conditions (Lipkin, 2018). Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management are also important for managing blood pressure.
High blood pressure is typically treated with lifestyle modifications and medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers (Lipkin, 2018). The goal of treatment is to lower the blood pressure to a level that reduces the risk of developing complications.
In conclusion, blood pressure is an important indicator of cardiovascular health, and is used to diagnose and manage many conditions. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease, and is treated with lifestyle modifications and medications.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). High Blood Pressure. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/index.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). High Blood Pressure Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm
Lipkin, M. (2018). Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings