Hypertension, the silent killer

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

Mayo Clinic nephrology and hypertension expert Dr. Ivan Porter agrees that everyone aged 18 or older should have regular blood pressure checks and if the numbers are high they should take steps to lower them.

“The biggest challenge is that there are generally no symptoms associated with high blood pressure. That’s why they call it the silent killer,” Porter says.

“But having high blood pressure long term can cause many serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke, so it’s vital to keep blood pressure numbers down.”

Know your blood pressure numbers and what they mean

When reviewing your blood pressure numbers, the top number, or systolic pressure, represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart pumps. The lower number, or diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest. Ideal blood pressure numbers can vary depending on age and medical conditions, but here is some general guidance: Normal If it’s below 120/80. Prehypertension You have prehypertension if your top number ranges from 120 to 139 or your lower number ranges from 80 to 89. Hypertension You have hypertension if your numbers are above 140/90. Untreated high blood pressure puts you at increased risk for heart attack or stroke, aneurysm or heart failure.

Healthy habits can make a difference. Such as eating a healthy diet with less salt, quitting smoking and exercising regularly.