What is high blood pressure?
The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the
blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is the force or pressure of blood
inside the arteries when the heart beats. High blood pressure, also called
hypertension, means that the pressure in your arteries is above the normal range.
How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is recorded as two measurements:
| Systolic Blood Pressure | The pressure in the arteries when the heart is
beating and fills the arteries with blood. Systolic blood pressure
is the top or first number of the blood pressure reading. |
| Diastolic Blood Pressure | The pressure in the arteries when the heart is
resting between beats. Systolic blood pressure is the top or first
number of the blood pressure reading. |
| Measurement | Treatment |
Normal Blood Pressure
For an adult, relaxed at rest | Less than 120/80 mmHg | Practice healthy lifestyle |
| Pre-Hypertension | Systolic pressure of 120-139 mmHg or Diastolic pressure of 80-89
mmHg | Modify lifestyle
close monitoring |
| High Blood Pressure -Stage 1 | Systolic pressure of 140-159 mmHg or Diastolic pressure of 90-99
mmHg | Modify lifestyle
Take medications |
| High Blood Pressure - Stage 2 | Systolic pressure of 160 mmHg or higher or Diastolic pressure of 100
mmHg or higher | Modify lifestyle
Take medications |
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack is permanent damage to the heart muscle caused by loss of
blood flow to the heart. A network of blood vessels, known as coronary arteries,
surround the heart muscle and supply it with oxygen-rich blood. The heart needs
this oxygen to function.
A heart attack occurs when a clot or spasm blocks an already narrowed
coronary artery. Left without oxygen, the portion of the heart muscle served by
the blocked artery is injured.
What is the link between high blood pressure and heart attack?
High blood pressure increases the risk of coronary artery disease (also
called atherosclerosis).
Coronary artery disease is the buildup of plaque or fatty matter in the
walls of the coronary arteries; this buildup leads to narrowing of the arteries over
time. The narrowed artery limits or blocks the flow of blood to the heart
muscle. The hardened surface of the artery can also encourage the formation of
small blood clots.
People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop coronary artery
disease because high blood pressure puts added force against the artery walls.
Over time, this extra pressure can damage the arteries. These injured arteries
are more likely to become narrowed and hardened by fatty deposits.