High blood pressure is medically known as hypertension. It is the most common risk factor for heart-related diseases like heart strokes, kidney-related diseases, and even eye-related diseases. High blood pressure occurs when blood pressure exceeds a certain threshold.

Nowadays, it is very easy to measure blood pressure at home using home blood-pressure monitors. Hypertension has no symptom, which is why it is called as the “silent killer”. Nearly 1 billion people have hypertension. Many of the people remain unaware of their condition and those who are aware, they do not take further actions for controlling the blood pressure.

How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure, which is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), can be defined as the amount of pressure exerted on the artery walls as blood moves through them.

The following are the two measurements that are used to measure blood pressure:

• Systolic pressure – The measurement of the blood pressure exerted when the heart beats and forces blood around the body.
• Diastolic pressure – The measurement of the blood pressure when the heart is resting in between the beats.

Blood pressure is represented with the systolic pressure first followed by the diastolic pressure. Thus, if the blood pressure machine denotes that the blood pressure is ‘’20 over 80” or 120/80mmHg, it means that there is a systolic pressure of 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 80mmHg.

We can prevent and control the increasing blood pressure by avoiding potential risks when we get to know the elevated blood pressure level. It is highly recommendable that everyone should get their blood pressure checked at least once or twice a year. The idyllic blood pressure is around 120/80mmHg for a physically healthy person.

• If the blood pressure is below 120/80, then you have normal, healthy blood pressure.
• If the blood pressure is less than 140/90 but above 120/80, there is a risk of becoming hypertensive.
• If the blood pressure is above 140/90, need to consult a healthcare provider for further treatment to avoid heart disease and stroke.

How to prevent and treat hypertension?

• Healthy diet – Sodium holds excess fluid in the body, which creates a burden on the heart. Thus, limiting sodium intake that is less than 1,500 mg per day can reduce high blood pressure.
• Alcohol consumption – It is recommended to have less than two drinks per day for men and less than one drink per day for women as a heavy amount of drinking causes an increase in blood pressure.
• Exercise – Exercise makes the heart stronger allowing it to pump blood. A few minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in the morning is recommended for maintaining a normal blood pressure.
• Lose weight – There are certain fats in the body that can cause the arteries to thicken, making it difficult for the blood to flow. Losing weight can decrease the amount of pressure it takes to move blood through the body.
• Quit smoking – The chemicals found in tobacco smoke can raise blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. It can also increase the risk of plaque build-up in the arteries of the body.