High Blood Presure- Quick guide to lowering high blood presure 

According to recent estimates, nearly one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, nearly one-third of these people don't know they have it and many have it for several years without knowing it.  This can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure,  hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis), and eye damage. This is why high blood presure is often called the "silent killer." The only way to tell if you have high blood presure is to have your blood pressure checked.

High blood presure or hypertention means high predsure (tension) in the arteries. The arteries carry blood from the pumping heart to all of the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not necessarily mean there is much emotional stress and tension, although these can increase blood pressure at least temporarily and perhaps long term.

Normal blood presure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called “pre-hypertension”, and a blood presure of 140/90 or above is considered high blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure, which is the top number, represents the presure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. The dialostic presure, the bottom number, indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure, therefore, reflects the minimum pressure to which the arteries are exposed. It was previously believed that diatolic blood presure was more important than sytolic blood pressure, but it is now known that for those over 50, systolic hypertention is a greater risk.

How to Prevent High Blood Presure

 Everyone -- regardless of race, age, sex, or heredity -- can help lower their chances of developing high blood presure.

 *Maintain a healthy weight, and lose weight if you are overweight.
 *Be more physically active.
 *Choose foods lower in salt and sodium.
 *If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
 *If you smoke, begin a smoking cesation program and quit as soon as possible.

These rules are also recommended for treating high blood pressure, although medicine is often added as part of the treatment. It is far better to keep your blood pressure from getting high in the first place.