High Blood Pressure or Hypertension

The pressure of the circulating blood against the arteries is called blood pressure. When the pressure is higher than the normal, it is called hypertension or high blood pressure.

 

High blood pressure makes the arterial walls distorted and may narrow the arteries which increases the pressure even more.

 

We all have moments of high blood pressure almost daily. Exercising or facing a tense situation raises the blood pressure for a few minutes. Its only when the blood pressure remains constantly high, it is called hypertension and needs medical attention.

 

High blood pressure is more common in elderly people above the age of 60. However, even younger people may develop hypertension given the stressful life of today.

 

The good news is that hypertension can be controlled by making small changes in our lifestyle. Eating food with less salt and sugar, proper exercising and adding fruits and vegetables to our daily diet go a long way in controlling high blood pressure.