What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure is variable and changes constantly throughout the day.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), the pressure of an adult should be less than 135 / 85 mm Hg. The highest number (135) is called systolic pressure and is the pressure when your heart is “working” and pushing blood. The lower number (85) is called diastolic pressure and is the pressure when your heart relaxes between two consecutive beats.

Physical activity, emotion or stress can also temporarily increase your blood pressure. This is completely normal and is very different from a diagnosis that you have “high blood pressure” or “hypertension”.

What are the symptoms of high pressure?

Unfortunately, high pressure has no symptoms. The best thing to do is to use a home blood pressure monitor and consult your doctor.

What are the long-term risks of high pressure?

Untreated, high blood pressure can cause many health problems such as heart attack, circulatory problems and kidney failure. High blood pressure is also the most common cause of stroke.

What causes high pressure?

Among the most common causes of high blood pressure are obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of exercise and the stress of everyday life. In some cases high pressure can be hereditary.

What can I do to lower my blood pressure?

Have a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit, fresh vegetables, potatoes and rice. Avoid animal fats and use less salt. Try to drink less alcohol and exercise more. If you smoke, stop. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe appropriate medication.

What is morning hypertension?

Morning hypertension is defined as the weekly average of morning measurements (measurements taken in the first 1-2 hours after waking in the morning) exceeding 135/85 mm Hg.
Cardiovascular events and strokes are more common in the morning and appear to be associated with morning pressure increases and morning hypertension.

There are two types of patients:

a) patients who either have elevated blood pressure throughout the night or whose blood pressure rises while they sleep
b) patients whose blood pressure decreases excessively at night and increases excessively in the morning

In both cases it is very difficult to detect morning hypertension, as by the time the patient visits the physician their blood pressure may have already decreased.

This is why doctors recommend that the patient himself measure the pressure at home.