In this article I am going to give a simple explanation of what it means to have high blood pressure, or hypertension as its also known.
- If have been diagnosed with high blood pressure you should be count yourself lucky. The reason I say that is because between 30 - 50% of people with high blood pressure aren't aware of it. Which is why it's so dangerous.
- Blood pressure is measured using systolic & diastolic pressure. It is represented by two numbers shown one on top of the other i.e. 110/70. Systolic pressure(top number) is the pressure of blood in the vessels when the heart is beating and diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the pressure between heartbeats.
- Hypertension can cause damage to artery wall linings, causing them to thicken and become stiff. This makes it easier for cholesterol to attach to the walls, which narrow, and more pressure is required to pump blood through.
- Hypertension can increase the risk of a heart attack by up to five times.
- Your risk of stroke increases up to 10 times.
- Congestive heart failure is also a serious risk.
- High blood pressure also causes damage to most major organs and can have an impact on your mental abilities over time.
As you can see high blood pressure can be extremely damaging and can most definitely shorten your lifespan.
However, I think its worth pointing out that blood pressure in itself isn't a bad thing, its a necessary function of the body.
Without pressure your blood wouldn't be able to pump round oxygen and nutrients to the cells; carry hormones or antibodies to where they are needed; or remove waste and toxins. It is just a case of managing your blood pressure to effectively reduce the risks to your health.
In my next newsletter I'll cover what causes high blood pressure - I hope you'll join me.
Until next time.
- If have been diagnosed with high blood pressure you should be count yourself lucky. The reason I say that is because between 30 - 50% of people with high blood pressure aren't aware of it. Which is why it's so dangerous.
- Blood pressure is measured using systolic & diastolic pressure. It is represented by two numbers shown one on top of the other i.e. 110/70. Systolic pressure(top number) is the pressure of blood in the vessels when the heart is beating and diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the pressure between heartbeats.
- Hypertension can cause damage to artery wall linings, causing them to thicken and become stiff. This makes it easier for cholesterol to attach to the walls, which narrow, and more pressure is required to pump blood through.
- Hypertension can increase the risk of a heart attack by up to five times.
- Your risk of stroke increases up to 10 times.
- Congestive heart failure is also a serious risk.
- High blood pressure also causes damage to most major organs and can have an impact on your mental abilities over time.
As you can see high blood pressure can be extremely damaging and can most definitely shorten your lifespan.
However, I think its worth pointing out that blood pressure in itself isn't a bad thing, its a necessary function of the body.
Without pressure your blood wouldn't be able to pump round oxygen and nutrients to the cells; carry hormones or antibodies to where they are needed; or remove waste and toxins. It is just a case of managing your blood pressure to effectively reduce the risks to your health.
In my next newsletter I'll cover what causes high blood pressure - I hope you'll join me.
Until next time.
