High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is the measurement of the force of blood on the blood vessels (arteries) as the heart pushes the blood through the body, causing a pressure higher than normal blood pressure.

What are the common symptoms and signs of this condition?

Contrary to other diseases, there are no signs or symptoms to determine the development of high blood pressure. This particularity makes hypertension the "Silent Killer".

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed through a blood pressure reading. In fact, it is not just a reading but also a series of at least 3 readings on different days for accuracy, because sometimes blood pressure is raised temporary by external factors including anxiety, exercising or the intake of stimulants, like those containing caffeine.

What happens if multiple readings fail?

Doctors known the pattern that readings normally follow after they analyze several readings. If you have several of them revealing high blood pressure, it is more likely you have hypertension, considering that those reading were taken on different occasions and under different circumstance, so there are no chances of mistake.

How long is the observation period?

Depending on the reading and other health risk factors, when one of the readings is found to be high, the health care provider will advise a certain time of observation, making additional blood pressure checks at different intervals over time.

Do I need to change my actual lifestyle?

Lifestyle factors contribute to high blood pressure when they are not healthy, such as excessive alcohol consumption, among others. During the observation period, doctors may ask a few questions to determine if you need to make any adjustments in you lifestyle or just change a few habits.

What if I am diabetic?

People suffering from diabetes may be advised to have blood pressure checks often and medication may be considered at an earlier stage if your blood pressure readings remain high.

What does the numbers of the reading mean?

Blood pressure is determined by 2 numbers, the number is the higher and first number, determining your systolic pressure. This is the measure of the force that blood exerts on the artery walls as the heart contracts to pump out the blood. The other number is the lower and second number, determining your diastolic pressure, which is the measurement of force as the heart relaxes to allow the blood to flow into the heart.

Which does mmHg mean?

Blood pressure is measured in mmHG, meaning millimeters of mercury.