About Health
Pre Hypertension Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Pre Hypertension. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
from: Kyle BesserIf you are concerned about your blood pressure, you can easily start monitoring it yourself in your own home. This doesn't mean that you don't need to see a doctor. You will still want to have it checked regularly by your doctor.
If you decide to monitor your blood pressure at home, you need to understand the numbers first. There is a top and bottom number for your blood pressure reading. The top number is your systolic pressure. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure.
Systolic pressure is the peak pressure in your arteries as your heart is beating. Diastolic pressure is the force of blood in your arteries as your heart relaxes between each beat. Your blood pressure is considered normal when your systolic pressure is below 120 and your diastolic pressure is below 80. This reading would be120/80.
If your systolic blood pressure is 121 to139 and your diastolic pressure is between 81 and 89, you may have "pre-hypertension." Prehypertension means a person's blood pressure is elevated above normal but not to the level considered to be hypertension (high blood pressure). Weight loss, exercise and other healthy lifestyle changes can often control prehypertension. Without any lifestyle changes, prehypertension is likely to progress to hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Stage 1 hypertension is where your systolic pressure is between 140 and 159 and your diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99. Stage 2 hypertension is where your systolic pressure is 160 or higher and your diastolic pressure is 100 or higher. If you have readings like this, adopting a healthier lifestyle is crucial.
Weight loss, exercise, changes in diet, and other healthy lifestyle changes may be necessary to control your blood pressure. If you smoke, try to quit. Limit your alcohol consumption. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. If you cannot lower your blood pressure on your own, talk with your doctor about any concerns you might have and if you have any questions about your blood pressure.
While you can easily watch your diet and weight and get plenty of exercise to help maintain or lower your blood pressure, that isn't always enough. Blood pressure medication might be prescribed by your doctor to help lower your blood pressure. There are many available ways to treat high blood pressure and you want to be sure to find the right option best suited for you
If this happens be sure you tell your doctor of any other medication you are taking. Some medications, including antidepressants, cold medicines, nasal decongestants and even oral contraceptives, can raise your blood pressure. By taking control of your blood pressure, you will have better control of your health and a longer life.
Hypertension Online News
Protesters march through Chicago to NATO summit - The Associated Press
 The Associated Press | Protesters march through Chicago to NATO summit The Associated Press By NOMAAN MERCHANT, AP – 1 minute ago CHICAGO (AP) — Thousands of protesters marched through downtown Chicago on Sunday in one of the city's largest demonstrations in years, airing grievances about war, climate change and a wide range of other ... At NATO summit, warm welcome for most leaders, but not Pakistan's Obama Seeks Afghan Commitments as NATO Summit Closes Activists Urge NATO to Protect Afghan Women's Rights |
Rare eclipse crosses Asia, western US - USA TODAY
 USA TODAY | Rare eclipse crosses Asia, western US USA TODAY ALBUQUERQUE, NM (AP) – Millions of people across Asia and the western United States watched as a rare "ring of fire" eclipse crossed their skies. Ng Han Guan, AP A partial annular eclipse takes place over Beijing, China. Millions looked to the sky for 'ring of fire' solar eclipse Eclipse 'ring of fire' wows Asian, US sky-gazers World's Largest Solar Eclipse Party Draws Thousands to Stadium |
Robin Gibb Mourned By Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood - MTV.com
 MTV.com | Robin Gibb Mourned By Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood MTV.com At Billboard Music Awards, Jordin Sparks recalls paying tribute to the Bee Gees during her time on 'American Idol.' By Kara Warner (@karawarner) The news was met with sadness and shock from the celeb attendees at Sunday's Billboard Music Awards. Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees dies at 62 Bee Gees' Robin Gibb dies after long cancer battle Robin Gibb and the Bee Gees: More than disco kings [video] |
Registry tallies over 2000 wrongful convictions since 1989 - Los Angeles Times
 Los Angeles Times | Registry tallies over 2000 wrongful convictions since 1989 Los Angeles Times The national database, said to be the largest of its kind, covers the period since DNA testing came into common use. Its sponsors hope to shed light on the legal system's failings. Bennie Starks of Chicago spent 20 years in prison after being convicted ... Largest compilation of exonerations ever finds over 2000 falsely convicted ... |