High Blood Pressure or Hyphertension

I've been very curious why we have high blood pressure, what are the cause of it and its symptoms. It sounds interesting to me. Maybe for others no. But anyways, there are people who died because of heart problems or stroke. It's known as a killer also to one's body after cancer. But the question is, how will we manage to prevent it? Here is the info I found:

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. Some people may not find out they have it until they have trouble with their heart, brain, or kidneys. When high blood pressure is not found and treated, it can cause:

- The heart to get larger, which may lead to heart failure
- Small bulges (aneurysms (AN-u-risms)) to form in blood vessels. Common locations are the main artery from the heart (aorta); arteries in the brain, legs, and intestines; and the artery leading to the spleen.
- Blood vessels in the kidney to narrow, which may cause kidney failure
- Arteries throughout the body to "harden" faster, especially those in the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs. This can cause a heart attack, stroke and kidney failure or amputation of part of the leg.
- Blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed, which may cause vision changes and can result in blindness.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of your body in vessels called arteries. Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats (about 60–70 times a minute at rest), it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic (sis-TOL-ik) pressure. When the heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic (di-a-STOL-ik) pressure.

*** A blood pressure reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal.

***A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is called the silent killer because you can have it for years without knowing it. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure measured. Using a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope or electronic sensor, your doctor or nurse can take your blood pressure and tell you if it is high.

Even though high blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, it is dangerous if it continues over time. It is important to find out whether you have high blood pressure and, if you do, how to keep it under control.

How Do You Know Whether You Have High Blood Pressure?

Only your doctor can tell you whether you have high blood pressure. Most doctors will check your blood pressure several times on different days before deciding that you have high blood pressure. A diagnosis of high blood pressure is given if repeated readings are 140/90 mmHg or higher, or 130/80 mmHg or higher if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Having your blood pressure tested is quick and easy. Your doctor or nurse will use some type of a gauge, a stethoscope (or electronic sensor), and a blood pressure cuff, also called a sphygmomanometer (sfig-mo-ma-NOM-e-ter).

Blood pressure readings are usually taken when you are sitting or lying down and relaxed. Below are things you can do before getting your blood pressure taken:

-Do not drink coffee or smoke cigarettes 30 minutes before having your blood pressure taken.
Wear short sleeves.
-Go to the bathroom before the reading. Having a full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
-Sit for 5 minutes before the test.

I have uncles who died because of heart problems. And I tell you, they are very young. For preventions, please visit this website because all the infos about High Blood Pressure are here http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhatIs.html