High Blood Pressure: A Look at the Causes

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it circulates in your body. High blood pressure occurs when blood vessels become narrow or stiff, forcing your heart to pump harder to push blood through your body. When the force of the blood against your artery walls becomes too high, you are said to have high blood pressure or hypertension.

How is blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure is measured as two numbers-a top number (called the systolic pressure) and a bottom number (called the diastolic pressure). A diagnosis of high blood pressure is not made on the basis of one high reading, but must be confirmed on two or more visits to your doctor or clinic.In general, for adults 18 and older, blood pressures that stay at 140/90 or more are considered high. However for people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, a blood pressure of 130/80 or higher is considered high.

Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff around your upper arm. This cuff is pumped up and then let down while listening for the pulse sound. The systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is beating. The diastolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.