Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects nearly half of American adults. Often, people with this condition don't experience any symptoms.

Uncontrolled blood pressure can increase your risk for developing coronary artery disease, stroke and kidney disease.  Fortunately, medical offices regularly conduct high blood pressure screenings, and home monitoring devices are available.

Your blood pressure is measured by placing a cuff called a sphygmomanometer on the upper arm just above the elbow and then placing a stethoscope just below the cuff to listen to blood flow from the heart. The cuff is quickly inflated with air until blood flow can no longer be heard. Your systolic blood pressure is determined as air is slowly released from the cuff until blood flow is heard again. Your diastolic blood pressure is gauged as the remainder of the air in the cuff is released and when the sound of the blood flow disappears.

A normal blood pressure reading is a:

• Systolic less than 120 mmHg
• Diastolic less than 80 mmHg

An elevated blood pressure reading is a:

• Systolic between 120 to 129 mmHg
• Diastolic less than 80 mmHg

Hypertension Stage 1 is defined as a:

• Systolic between 130 to 139 mmHg
• Diastolic between 80 to 89 mmHg

Hypertension Stage 2 is defined as a:

• Systolic greater than 140 mmHg
• Diastolic greater than 90 mmHg