High blood pressure, which also is called hypertension, plagues millions of people in the United States. But, and this is problematic, many aren't that educated on this issue. What causes high blood pressure? What are hypertension symptoms? How is it diagnosed? Should I be concerned about it? The goal of this piece is to provide you with answers for the sake of your health.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure sounds more complicated that it is. It's just the pressure the blood gives off while it moves through the arteries. Blood pressure numbers appear as a ratio. For example, take 120/80. If you're at all familiar with blood pressure, you probably recognize the word systolic, which is represented here by 120. Despite its ominous sound, systolic is just the pressure given off as the heart pumps. The second number, 80, is diastolic. Diastolic is the opposite of systolic. It chronicles the pressure exerted between beats. High blood pressure occurs when these numbers are elevated and there's excess pressure. 140/90 and up is considered high blood pressure.

How Can I Tell if I Have High Blood Pressure?

A major problem with diagnosing blood pressure is that there are usually few hypertension symptoms. Consequently, around 30% of people who have hypertension don't know it. This why you must get your blood pressure measured, using validated blood pressure equipment, frequently. Fortunately, doing so is fast and doesn't hurt. The doctor places an inflatable band over your arm. He or she pumps it up and reads the pressure from a blood pressure meter. It's entirely possible that you've seen blood pressure equipment at your local pharmacist.

Is High Blood Pressure an Issue That I Should Concern Myself With?

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels. Think about water going through a fire hose. If the water pressure is too great, it can harm the hose. This can result in damaging health issues. They include strokes, heart attacks, and harm to the kidneys. High blood pressure can actually result in the end of life! That's why you need to be not only aware of high blood pressure, but also the causes of it so you can keep your pressure in check.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Stress is one of several high blood pressure causes. Further, as you know, stress is an uninvited guest in the lives of many. In addition, sodium can contribute to hypertension. So can alcohol, and tobacco. Also, excessive weight gain can as well. Unfortunately, many of these high blood pressure causes come together. In other words, the same people who are overweight often also, for example, consume foods high in sodium.

As you can see, high blood pressure causes are legion. In addition, as a result of the harm hypertension can affect in your body, it should be top of mind. So get your blood pressure measured and read further for actions you can take to help lower it.