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The heart pumps blood around the body through the blood vessels. Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted on the artery walls by the pumping blood. High blood pressure (hypertension) means that your blood is pumping with more force than normal through your arteries. The added stress on the arteries can speed up the clogging of arteries with fatty plaques (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis contributes to many illnesses, such as heart attack and stroke. Other risk factors for atherosclerosis include cigarette smoking and high blood cholesterol. Hypertension is a common disorder of the circulatory system, affecting around one in seven adult Australians and becoming more common with age. Older people may experience a change in their blood pressure pattern due to their arteries becoming more rigid (less elastic). Hypertension usually produces no symptoms. This means most people don’t even realise they have it. Experts recommend that everyone should have their blood pressure checked regularly (preferably yearly). How blood pressure is controlledWhen the heart contracts, the blood inside the left ventricle is forced out into the aorta and arteries. The blood then enters small vessels with muscular walls, called arterioles. The tone in the muscular walls of the arterioles determines how relaxed or constricted they are. If narrowed, they resist flow. Reduced flow of blood is detected in the brain, the kidneys and elsewhere. Nerve reflexes are stimulated and hormones are then produced. The heart is induced to beat more forcefully so that blood pressure is maintained at a higher level, to overcome the restricted flow through the arterioles. The achievement of good flow (now at high pressure) eases possible problems for function of the brain and kidneys. These adjustments occur normally. However, in some people the adjustments become fixed and high blood pressure persists. These people have developed hypertension. How blood pressure is measuredHypertension can be mild, moderate or severe. Your blood pressure is naturally higher when you are exerting yourself, such as during physical exercise. It is only a concern if your blood pressure is high when you are at rest, because this means your heart is overworked and your arteries have extra stress in their walls. Blood pressure readings are a combination of two measurements. These are:
SphygmomanometerBlood pressure is measured using an instrument called a sphygmomanometer.
Most people with hypertension feel okayHypertension usually does not produce any symptoms, because the organs of the body can resist high blood pressure for a long time. That’s why it’s important to have regular medical examinations to make sure your blood pressure isn’t creeping up as you grow older. High blood pressure over a period of time can contribute to many illnesses, including:
An unhealthy lifestyle can cause hypertensionSome of the factors which can contribute to high blood pressure include:
The effects of high blood pressure on the arteries are worsened by:
Responses to some types of stress may affect both blood pressure and changes in the arteries, but this remains scientifically uncertain. Some drugs may cause hypertensionCertain drugs can cause hypertension or make controlling hypertension more difficult. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for alternatives. These drugs include:
Blood pressure and ageingWith advancing years, the arteries tend to become more rigid (less elastic). This may change a person’s blood pressure pattern, with a higher systolic pressure and a lower diastolic pressure. The higher systolic pressure is important because it can further accelerate the rigidity of the arteries. This state is referred to as ‘isolated systolic hypertension’. Although these changes are due to ageing, this is not a normal state and may need medication to control the systolic pressures. Making healthier choicesTwo out of five people can successfully lower their blood pressure by making adjustments to their lifestyle. For example, a low-fat diet and giving up cigarette smoking will reduce the damaging effects of hypertension on the arteries. Some healthy lifestyle choices include:
See your doctor before you start any new exercise program. Antihypertensive medicationsIn most cases, it is necessary to take antihypertensive medication as well. Usually hypertensive medication is introduced at low doses. The dose may be gradually increased if needed. A second or even a third drug may be added to achieve good blood pressure control. Not many people experience unpleasant side effects. Any drug treatment for hypertension needs to be monitored carefully by your doctor. You should never alter the dose of your hypertension medication or stop taking it without consulting with your doctor. Medications don’t cure the condition and most of the people who need to take antihypertensive drugs will do so for the rest of their lives. Where to get helpThis page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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