Fast facts on hypertension

Fast facts on hypertension                                                    Home 

• high blood pressure is considered to be 140 / 90mmHg or higher

• ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90 / 60mmHg and 120 / 80mmHg.

• low blood pressure is considered to be 90 / 60mmHg or lower

• Modern lifestyle factors are responsible for a growing burden of hypertension: physical inactivity, salt-rich diets with processed and fatty foods, and alcohol and tobacco use.

• Lifestyle measures are used first to treat high blood pressure, including salt restriction and other dietary changes, moderation of alcohol, and stress reduction.

• Primary or essential hypertension accounts for 90-95% of adult cases, and secondary hypertension accounts for 2-10% of cases.

• Normal: Systolic lower than 120 mm Hg, diastolic lower than 80 mm Hg
Prehypertension: Systolic 120-139 mm Hg, diastolic 80-89 mm Hg
Stage 1: Systolic 140-159 mm Hg, diastolic 90-99 mm Hg
Stage 2: Systolic 160 mm Hg or greater, diastolic 100 mm Hg or greate

• is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, vascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

• You're at an increased risk of high blood pressure if you:
 are over the age of 65
 are overweight or obese
 are of African or Caribbean descent
 have a relative with high blood pressure
 eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
 do not do enough exercise
 drink too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
 smoke
 do not get much sleep or have disturbed sleep

References:
- http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/241381-overview#a4
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150109.php.
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/symptoms/con-20019580
- http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-pressure-(high)/pages/introduction.aspx