Can you explain the difference between high blood pressure and hypertension?
Hypertension is the medical name for high blood pressure. Blood exerts pressure against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it through the body. High blood pressure means that this pressure is greater than it should be.
Through a complex system which involves the brain, kidneys and nerves, the body regulates blood pressure by releasing certain hormones into the bloodstream. Other elements that influence blood pressure include the strength of the heart and its pumping ability.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Two values are used to measure blood pressure: systolic and diastolic.
Systolic is the maximum pressure reached when the heart contracts. Normal systolic pressure ranges from 100-135 mm Hg.
Diastolic pressure measures minimum pressure, when the heart relaxes between beats. Normal diastolic pressure ranges between 60-80 mm Hg.
My father has high blood pressure and now I have it. Was there anything I could have done to prevent it developing?
The tendency to develop hypertension is sometimes inherited. The risk of developing hypertension can be cut by lowering our salt intake, avoiding being overweight and taking regular exercise.
However, not everyone who follows these preventative measures will avoid developing high blood pressure.
I'm on medication now and my blood pressure has returned to normal. Does this mean I can stop taking the tablets?
Medication helps return blood pressure to within normal limits. Though your pressure readings are now back to normal, this does not mean that the problem is cured; only that your blood pressure is controlled.
Without your medication, you run the risk of headaches, dizziness, fainting, numbness and weakness. It can also cause chest pain, palpitations and breathlessness.
Uncontrolled hypertension can ultimately lead to serious illness such as heart attack, kidney damage and stroke.
You would be well advised to seek medical advice if you have any intentions of stopping your medication.
Marion Kerr