High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common disease which causes the blood to flow through the blood vessels at higher than normal pressures. High blood pressure affects a very large number of adults in the U.S. today and is dangerous because it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, or kidney disease.
When taking a blood pressure reading, there are two forces being measured. The first force, called the systolic measurement, is when blood pumps from the heart and into the arteries, and the second force, called the diastolic force, begins as the heart rests between beats. If your blood pressure measurement reaches 140/90, and remains the same over time, then you will likely be recommended to begin treatment for high blood pressure.
