High Blood Pressure: A “Silent Killer”
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is currently one of the
most serious health problems in the United States. Hypertension is best
detected with repeated measurements of a person’s blood pressure by a
healthcare provider. Your blood pressure measurement consists of two
numbers: systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number). Blood
pressure readings are measured in units called millimeters of mercury (mm
Hg). A normal reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Readings greater than
140/90 mm Hg are considered “high” and require treatment. People are
considered “prehyper-tensive” if their readings are 120 to 139 mm Hg
systolic over 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic.
Because high blood pressure has no symptoms, millions of people do
not even know they have it. Over time, high blood pressure damages
blood vessels, making it easier for cholesterol and other substances to
build up. Often this damage can lead to death. This is why high blood
pressure is sometimes called a “silent killer.” Occasionally with severe
high blood pressure, headaches, visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting
may develop, which require immediate treatment.