What is hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common problem for mature adults.  As we get older, the amount of pressure the heart must create to move blood through our body increases, making it work harder.  When this happens, the heart can be overtaxed.  The left ventricle of the heart may grow bigger, causing changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). 

How is hypertension diagnosed?

High blood pressure is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure.  It's a simple test that requires putting an inflatable cuff on your arm.  The cuff is inflated to a high level (when a person listening to your arm with a stethoscope stops hearing specific sounds) and then the pressure is released until the sounds stop.  The higher pressure, traditionally measured in millimeter of mercury, is called the systolic, while the lower pressure is the diastolic.  These two pressures are usually written with the systolic first, a slash, then the diastolic, like this: 130/70.  Your doctor may say "Your pressure is 130 over 70."

Although there is no absolute guide to at what level blood pressures are considered high, a pressure of 140/90 is usually considered borderline.  Anything higher is usually considered high, and your doctor will discuss treatments with you.

Your doctor may want to get several readings of your pressure.  Many people suffer from "white coat hypertension" -- they only have high blood pressure when they're around a doctor or nurse.  So many practitioners may want you to get your pressure checked somewhere else, such as the drug store.  

How is hypertension treated?

Treatments for high blood pressure depend on a number of factors, including how high the pressure is, what other diseases you may have, and the actual pattern of pressures.  For mild elevations in blood pressure, your doctor may suggest changing your diet, losing weight, and increasing your exercise.  For higher pressures, medicines may be useful.  These include diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, and others.  (These are all medicines that have specific actions that lower blood pressure.)

What if I don't know my blood pressure?

It's probably a good idea for everyone to know their blood pressure.  If your blood pressure is high, you may be at increased risk for having a heart attack or stroke.  Other conditions can be associated with high blood pressure.

Where can I find out more about hypertension?

A number of sites can help you learn more:

One excellent site is NOAH.  It provides more detailed information on the causes and treatment of hypertension.

A source for updates on the causes and treatment of hypertension is at the Wellness Web.