Hypertension

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart attacks, heart and kidney failure. It is also related to dementia and sexual problems.

Most people who have hypertension also have additional risk factors including high cholesterol and obesity - putting them at even greater risk for heart attack and stroke.

Blood pressure increases with age. More than nine in ten Canadians will develop hypertension in their lifetimes - unless they adopt a healthy lifestyle.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force on the walls of the arteries as the blood circulates. A blood pressure measurement consists of two numbers. The top number represents the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number is the pressure when your heart relaxes and refills with blood. The higher your numbers and the longer they are high, the more damage is caused to your blood vessels.

Normal Blood Pressure
- Less than 140/90 for most people
- Less than 130/80 for those with Diabetes/kidney disease

How to tell if you have high blood pressure

Hypertension is known as the silent killer. You may not experience any symptoms so you should have your blood pressure measured regularly throughout your life.

A blood pressure check is simple and painless. Hypertension can't be determined with just one test, however. Sometimes, your blood pressure increases when you are in stressful situations, like a doctor's office. Your doctor may ask you to wear a 24-hour blood pressure monitor, which tests your blood pressure throughout the day.

Reducing your blood pressure, even a small amount can significantly reduce your risk for stroke or heart attack.