1. Variation in blood pressure
High blood pressure, also called
hypertension, is elevated pressure of the
blood in the arteries. Blood pressure is
measured in millimeters of mercury mm Hg
The first number indicates systolic blood
pressure. The second number is diastolic
blood pressure. People with high blood
pressure should be screened for diabetes.
In addition to other benefits, home
monitoring can help show if blood pressure
medications are working.
Blood pressure is the force applied against
the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps
blood through the body. Although the body
can tolerate increased blood pressure for
months and even years, eventually the
heart may enlarge a condition called
hypertrophy , which is a major factor in
heart failure.
Two numbers are used to describe blood
pressure: the systolic pressure the higher
and first number and the diastolic pressure
the lower and second number .
A third measurement, pulse pressure , may
also be important as an indicator of
severity. High systolic pressure is now

2. known to be a greater risk factor than
diastolic pressure for brain, heart, kidney,
circulatory complications and for death,
particularly in middle-aged and elderly
adults.
High diastolic pressure is a strong predictor
of heart attack and stroke in young adults. It
indicates stiffness and inflammation in the
blood-vessel walls. The causes of essential
hypertension are unknown but are based on
complex processes in all major organs and
systems.
High blood pressure HBP is a serious
condition that can lead to coronary heart
disease,heart failure,stroke,kidney failure,
and other health problems.
The majority of all people with high blood
pressure are “salt sensitive,”meaning that
anything more than the minimal bodily need
for salt is too much for them and increases
their blood pressure treatment
If your blood pressure is too high, you need
treatment to prevent damage to your body’s
organs.
Even though there is much individual
variation in blood pressure, physicians have
established guidelines for the diagnosis and

3. treatment of hypertension. African-
Americans with High Blood Pressure Need
Treatment Sooner,More Aggressively.
Treatment at this point should be based on
diet, exercise, and weight loss,if necessary.
An echocardiogram is needed when it
would help the doctor decide whether to
start treatment. Without treatment,this can
lead to heart failure.