Blood
Pressure
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Heart disease and strokes cause more deaths than any other disease. The UK has one of the highest levels of heart disease in the western world. Blood pressure provides a simple measure of the state of the cardiovascular system. Generally, the lower the blood pressure, the healthier the person. Just as the pressure produced by the pump within a central heating system makes the water circulate through the radiators, so the heart pumps blood through the blood vessels. The heart produces this pressure by contracting the heart muscle, which squeezes blood out of the heart and pumps it around the body. Thus there are two pressures, the pressure when the heart muscle actively beats and pumps blood around the body and the pressure when the muscle relaxes and the heart fills with blood ready for its next beat. Blood pressure is normally around 120 mmHg as the heart pumps and 80mm Hg while the heart relaxes. If the blood pressure is raised for a prolonged period both the heart and the blood vessels will be damaged. This causes strokes, an enlarged heart, heart failure and heart attacks. Stress, lack of exercise, too much salt in the diet, excessive weight and smoking, all increase the blood pressure. Blood pressure tends to rise slightly with age, reaching perhaps 140/90 in a 65 year-old person. Measurement Under the age of 40, it is sufficient to have the blood pressure checked every three or four years. Over the age of 40 it is best to check it every year. The GP's practice nurse can check blood pressure, as can any medical practitioner. In addition, some pharmacies offer this service. Alternatively, blood pressure monitors are available costing between £50 and £200. A single blood pressure measurement may not give an overall picture of blood pressure, as the blood pressure can vary considerably during the day. An average pressure, worked out from several readings provides a far more accurate picture of the state of your cardiovascular system. If the blood pressure is raised when a nurse or GP checks it, this may be because
of nervousness. Several further readings maybe needed to get an average
level.
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure Blood pressure varies with age, in fit young women it may be as low as 90/70, whereas most over-60s will have a blood pressure approaching 140/90. The British Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of high blood pressure state that any individual with a blood pressure over 140/90 should be concerned. Further information about high blood pressure follow this link to hypertension
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