Blood pressure readings have two numbers. One is called the systolic pressure and the other is called the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is beating. The diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest. Blood pressure is measured in milligrams of mercury. Usually the systolic pressure is written above the diastolic pressure i.e 120/80.

Blood pressure can change throughout the day. It rises when you are excited or nervous and falls when you are sleeping or at rest. However, for the most part, blood pressure stays pretty much the same during normal waking hours.

Normal blood pressure is stated as a systolic pressure of less than 120 m Hg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg (milligrams of mercury). Blood pressure that is defined as normal are considered the healthiest.

If you have a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher, you have high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure causes the heart to work harder and greatly increases your risk of developing kidney problems, and having a stroke. Blood pressures that are above normal i.e (systolic pressure of 120-139) point to signs of pre-hypertension and needs to be watched carefully.

According to the American heart Association, 1 in 3 American adults has high blood pressure and because high blood pressure has no symptoms about 1/3 of these people do not even know they have it. The likelihood of high blood pressure increases with age: for American women 70 and older its about 83% and American men of the same age its about 68%.

High blood pressure is just one of many risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. If you are significantly overweight, smoke, poor diet, little to no exercise etc. you could be at risk for developing high blood pressure. Furthermore, some forms of heart disease can be hereditary. So, it is important to have your family living a lifestyle where you are incorporating low-sodium/ low-fat foods and fitness into your everyday life.

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