Understanding Hypertension
Hypertension is a serious, chronic condition characterized by elevated blood pressure. It is extremely important to monitor and treat hypertension; this condition is a risk factor for many life threatening medical issues, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and arterial aneurysm. Hypertension is also the leading cause of chronic renal failure. If you are suffering from hypertension, also known as high blood pressure learn more about our High Blood Pressure treatment in Red Bank, NJ available through Chiropractic care.
There are two numbers to be concerned with when discussing hypertension: systolic and diastolic pressure readings. Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), blood pressure readings are usually given in this order (for example, 120 over 80, written as 120/80).
The top number is systolic pressure, which measures when the heart beats. Hypertension is diagnosed if this number is consistently over 140. The diastolic reading calculates the pressure inside blood vessels when the heart is at rest. This number should not be over 90 on a regular basis.
If either of these numbers is too high, hypertension is diagnosed. Blood pressure measurements are critical and easy to obtain, most likely because of the serious nature of hypertension as well as the fact that high blood pressure is often asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, they may include chest pain, confusion, irregular heartbeat, or vision changes (among others).
