Hypertension (high blood pressure) is abnormally high blood
pressure. High blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart,
lungs, brain, and kidneys. It carries with it an increased risk
of death and disability from congestive heart failure, and
kidney disease. High blood pressure is very common but cannot be
seen or felt. The best way to know if you have high blood
pressure is to keep track of your numbers. You can get your
blood pressure checked at your doctors office, at home, or at
your local pharmacy. It doesn't matter where you get it checked,
just make sure to get your blood pressure checked regularly.
High blood pressure is defined by 2 numbers (systolic and
diastolic). The systolic or top number measures the pressure in
your blood vessels when your heart beats. The diastolic or
bottom number measures the pressure in your blood vessels when
your heart rests between beats. Systolic blood pressure (SBP)
less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) less than
80 mm Hg is considered normal. Abnorm