What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of your blood on the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. Your blood pressure will go up and down throughout the day. This depends on what you are doing, especially if you are exercising.
Blood pressure is usually shown as two numbers. The first number is systolic pressure. This is the pressure on your artery walls when your heart beats. The second number is diastolic pressure. This the pressure on your artery walls when your heart rests.
It is often read as systolic over diastolic. For example, your doctor might tell you your blood pressure is '120 mmHg over 80 mmHg' which is a normal result.
What is hypertension?
If the top number on the blood pressure machine is over 140 mmHg or the bottom number is over 90 mmHg, you may be considered to have high blood pressure. Hypertension is when your blood pressure is permanently higher than normal.
Hypertension is a common issue affecting over 33% of all adult Australians. Often, people experience no symptoms at all, which is why it can be dangerous. It is also a major risk factor for heart disease and kidney disease.
This is why it is important to have your heart health checked regularly. Ask your health professional to check your blood pressure at your next appointment.
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure doesn't have one specific cause. Factors that could increase your chances of developing it include:
- Little or no exercise
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- A diet high in salt
- Being overweight
- Family history
- Stress
- Ageing
How can I lower my blood pressure?
In most cases, high blood pressure can be treated by making lifestyle changes, including:
- Getting your blood pressure checked regularly
- Doing regular physical activity
- Improving your diet to reduce salt and fat
- Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
