In general, a reading of 140 over 90 is considered “high.” 120 over 80 up to 139 over 89 is usually considered “pre-hypertension.” The top number is called the systolic pressure.
Why are these numbers that important? As we age, hypertension tends to be more prevalent. In fact, it is estimated that up to two thirds of the population over age 65 have high blood pressure. Some even believe the increase begins around age 50.
Left untreated, high blood pressure strains the heart which can eventually lead to stroke or heart attack.
Other organs can be affected as well such as the kidneys.
Systolic pressure is the measurement of the force of blood through the arteries with heart beats. Diastolic (which measures the force of blood in the arteries while the heart rests) does not have to be “high” for high blood pressure to exist if the systolic reading measures high. Isolated systolic high blood pressure describes this situation.
While both the systolic and diastolic readings are necessary for hypertension to be diagnosed, the diastolic tends to go down as people age. Therefore, the systolic reading is especially important.
A medical professional should diagnose whether or not high blood pressure exists.
Feeling badly is not always an indicator of high blood pressure. The name “silent killer” is attributed to hypertension as many people do not even know they have been suffering from the disease until a heart attack or stroke occurs.
One concern for many people when it comes to checking their blood pressure with a doctor is the likelihood of prescribed medications or rather the side effects that accompany those medications. This concern should also be shared with your doctor.
Expressing this concern does not necessarily mean that medication still will not be prescribed or recommended. This is a key complaint regarding most Western doctors.
In fairness though, many doctors worry that certain dietary and physical changes will not be followed through on by the patient. Therefore, medication becomes the first line of defense.
If you are suffering from hypertension whether it be Isolated systolic or generally high, I suggest my High Blood Pressure Program. It is all natural, and requires easy to implement daily exercises that has shown remarkable results.
High blood pressureis probably the single biggest cause for modern diseases. Learn how to cure high blood pressure naturally using three simple exercises. Or read more about how to lower blood pressure on the blood pressure blog.
