The Definition of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is defined as elevated blood pressure in the arteries.  As a person's heart muscle contracts, it pushes blood into the major arteries and then on...through the arteries and capillaries...to the veins.  It is the pressure within the arteries that is measured in blood pressure readings.

The first value of this measurement is called the systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries while the heart muscle is in the peak of contracting.  This normally reaches a value of 100 to 130 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) in young adults.

The second value, the diastolic pressure, measures the pressure while the heart is resting between beats.  This pressure is normally between 70 and 80 mmHg.  A normal blood pressure might be expressed as 110/70 (110 over 70).  These pressures both increase with age, with systolic tending to rise more than the diastolic.

Pressures vary from person to person and throughout the day.  Generally, a systolic pressure higher than 140 and a diastolic pressure higher than 90 are used as thresholds to define hypertension in adults.

In most people who have high blood pressure, a precise cause cannot be identified.  But in some individuals, an underlying cause such as blockage of the blood flowing to the kidney or a tumor in the adrenal gland or hormone imbalance may be responsible for the blood pressure problem.      Back to Top

The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

High blood pressure often has no physical symptoms.  It is dangerous and can actually do damage to the body's organs (the heart, the brain, the kidneys) before it is diagnosed.  Hypertension can lead silently, but directly, to heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.

For patients with normal blood pressure readings, having it re-checked at a minimum of every two years is important.  Patients are considered high risk if they have blood pressures near the top of the normal range, or have a family history of high blood pressure.  More regular blood pressure checks are strongly recommended for these individuals.          Back to Top

The Causes of Hypertension

In 90 to 95 percent of the cases of hypertension, the cause is unknown.  It cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.  Certain factors increase the risk and can't be controlled.  For example:

Heredity - Hypertension occurs in families.      

Race - African Americans are more prone to develop hypertension than other ethnic groups.

Age - We are more susceptible as we get older.

Other factors can be controlled.  These include:

Being overweight - Exceeding recognized height and weight standards.     

Eating Too Much Salt - Leads to high blood pressure in some people.

Alcohol - Heavy and regular use.

Lack of Exercise - Can lead to obesity.

Stress - Responses vary from person to person.                     Back to Top

 

How to Control Your Hypertension

Once hypertension is defined in a patient, treatment is most usually a lifelong process.  Treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as modification of the patient's diet, a regular exercise program, and conscientious weight control.  For those with mild hypertension, it is sufficient to attain an ideal weight for height, control sodium intake (salt), and have good exercise habits.  If medication is required, it is still important to follow a specified diet in order to control the body weight and salt intake.

Other important factors which are in the control of the patient, not the treating physician, are limiting fat and cholesterol intake, avoiding cigarettes, and getting enough rest.

Blood pressure can be affected by exertion, excitement, or some psychological factors.  If a patient finds it difficult to relax in the clinical setting, we may suggest that you purchase a blood pressure tester (sphygmomanometer) to have a family member or friend take your reading at home.  If this is needed, the staff at the Texas Blood Pressure Institute can advise you on the type of tester to buy, or how to use it, and when and how often to take readings.                             Back to Top

Clinic Locations

Texas Blood Pressure Institute has a clinical office in Dallas.  Patients can schedule appointments between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling (214) 358-2300.  After hours and on weekends, DNA's medical staff are as close as a phone call for all patients in its practice.  Click for the office on Coit Road .                                                                      Back to Top