The prevalence of high blood pressure as a health condition cannot be over stated. More than a quarter of the world’s population suffers from this menacing malady but greater awareness, particularly among high blood pressure suffers is allowing a significant number of people to better control this disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the systolic pressure inside the circulatory system increases beyond 160 mmHg and the diastolic pressure rises above 90 mmHg. When measuring blood pressure using a blood pressure monitor the systolic appears as the top number and the diastolic number appears on the bottom e.g. 160/90 mmHg. Readings in the vicinity of 120/80 in the average adult indicate that normal blood pressure.

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can lead to a number of other serious health conditions so it is critical that those diagnosed with this ailment make every effort to ensure that their pressure stays within the accepted range of 120/80. This is important for several reasons:

Firstly, when blood pressure is maintained within the acceptable range, the heart is protected. Uncontrolled high blood pressure reduces the oxygen supply to the heart causing it to work harder. This increased work load may lead to an enlarged heart, angina, heart failure and other coronary conditions.

A second reason why you might wish to control your blood pressure is to protect your veins and arteries. As the body grows older the veins and arteries become hard and stiff making it more difficult for blood to flow through the system. This condition is exacerbated by incidences of high blood pressure. It is well documented that high blood pressure is associated with hardening of the arteries especially those that supply various organs like the kidney.

Thirdly, controlling your blood pressure helps to protect vital body organs including the brain, the heart, the kidneys and the eyes. Blood vessels of these organs are easily ruptured or blocked impairing their ability to function properly. Some common health calamities associated with these impairments are kidney failure, blindness and stroke.

Impaired flow of blood to the brain precipitated by weakened or blocked blood vessels can lead to clots, ruptured blood vessels or stroke. High blood pressure is known to compromise blood supply to the brain. You can protect the brain from these threats by controlling your blood pressure. Avoid serious health complications; learn how to control your blood pressure through exercise and natural treatments. As always I suggest that you visit your healthcare provider who will be better able to advise you on all healthcare issues. As a matter of course, you should have your pressure checked regularly by a qualified physician. When elevation in blood pressure is caught early it may be controlled without the need for medication.