Blood Pressure Frequently Asked Questions

Blood pressure is the necessary force that is exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels and arteries.  However, depending upon various factors, an individual's blood pressure may be too high.   Of the one in four American adults who have high blood pressure, many are unaware that they have the condition.  

Q: Why is it important to know about high blood pressure?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the leading cause of stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease in Nebraska and the United States.  Hypertension and its complications account nationally for nearly 750,000 deaths per year from heart disease, and almost 150,000 deaths per year from stroke. Trends in the United States show that high blood pressure is less well controlled now than it was just a few years ago.   High blood pressure effects at least 50 million Americans and it is believed that only 25% of those with high blood pressure have their disease under adequate control.

Q: What is high blood pressure, and what happens when it is high?

A: National standards define optimal blood pressure as equal to or less than 120/80, and high blood pressure as that being greater than or equal to140/90.  Damage to the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and brain can occur even with mild elevations of blood pressure. In the last 5-10 years stroke rates are up slightly, the rate of decline of heart disease is leveling off, and the prevalence of kidney and heart failure is increasing.  All of these disease processes are the result uncontrolled high blood pressure.

A: High blood pressure can effect anybody, but many times it will run in families.  It is common in Native American, African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Hispanic populations. Persons that are overweight, have high cholesterol or diabetes need to be especially careful. Also, persons of any nationality over the age of 40 need to be especially aware of their blood pressure readings and any co-existing risk factors like those mentioned above.

Q: How is blood pressure checked?

A: Office sphygmomanometer (the blood pressure cuff) remains the most appropriate screening test for hypertension.  It is important that you are consistent with how your blood pressure is taken.  We prefer that you have your blood pressure taken in the doctors office, by the same person, if possible.  You should have rested for at least 5 minutes before the measurement, and must not have smoked or ingested caffeine 30 minutes before the reading. If the first reading is abnormally high we prefer that another reading be taken within two minutes and the two readings averaged. We recommend that you follow the national guidelines and have your blood pressure checked.  Every two years if your systolic pressure is 130, recheck in one year if your Systolic Blood pressure is 130-139, and reconfirm your blood pressure with your doctor within 2 months if your systolic blood pressure is 140-159.  If it is greater then 159 further investigation by your doctor may be necessary.

Q: What do the numbers mean?

A: When we refer to your blood pressure we will give you two numbers.  The first number is your systolic blood pressure.  This is essentially the first sound we hear with the stethoscope and refers to the pressure exerted on the blood vessels as the blood is sneezed out of the heart chambers. The second number is your diastolic blood pressure, that is the sound generated as the heart refills with blood.

Q: What causes high blood pressure and what can I do to prevent it?

A:  High blood pressure is a complex medical condition that can have many different causes.  Some general guidelines to follow that might help prevent high blood pressure include: losing 5-10% of you total body weight if you are over weight. Limit daily alcohol intake to no more then 1oz (24oz beer) for men, .5oz (12oz beer) for women and lighter men. Increase aerobic physical activity to 30-45 min 5-6 days of the week. Reduce sodium intake to no more than 2.4 gm/day and maintain adequate potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake. Stop smoking and reduce your intake of daily saturated fats and cholesterol.  We now know that high blood pressure can be a preventable disease, please see your Internist or primary care doctor if you have any questions.