Once hypertension has been diagnosed, it
should be properly treated with either
modifications to your lifestyle or
medications.
Once hypertension has been brought under
control, the risk of vascular disease is
reduced to half. Regular blood pressure
checks are recommended to keep you aware
of any unusual activity. 
AVOIDING HYPERTENSION
Taking a short walk at lunchtime or light
reading just before bed can be helpful in
stress management. Changing your hectic
lifestyle to a simpler healthy one, as well as
a well-balanced diet will help lower the risk.
Early detection of high blood pressure is
crucial. Just about anybody can have high
blood pressure. However, the odds are
greater if you're overweight, taking birth
control pills or have a family history of
hypertension.
Home blood pressure units are available. It's
a good idea to take your own blood pressure
in the comfort of your home. When you last
ate, the hectic drive over to the pharmacy, or
doctor's office "white coat" syndrome are
among the many factors that may influence
"false" readings.
WHAT CAUSES HYPERTENSION?
Although concrete evidence on what causes
high blood pressure has not been
determined, it is known that there are
contributing factors.
These include.,
Smoking: This is probably the best known
cause. Nicotine speeds up the heart rate and
has been shown to constrict blood vessels.
Diet: Too much fat and cholesterol have a
negative effect on blood pressure.
Lack of Exercise: Aerobics is considered
one of the best forms of exercise for the
cardiovascular system. Exercising regularly
can keep blood pressure at a normal level.
Salt Intake: People who consume a lot of
salt may develop high blood pressure, but it
can often be reduced by avoiding foods with
a high sodium content.
Stress: Excessive stress can contribute to
high blood pressure.
MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE
Arterial blood pressure can be measured by
using a sphygmomanometer (blood
pressure kit). A standard blood pressure kit
usually consists of an inflation bulb, a cuff,
and a gauge (a device to measure pressure).
The bulb is used to pump air into the cuff,
and the pressure is indicated by the rise in
mercury.
To measure blood pressure, the cuff is
wrapped around the upper arm. Make sure
that you can fit two fingers between the cuff
and the arm.
Air is pumped into the cuff using the bulb
until the pressure exceeds the pressure in the
artery (usually pump the bulb until just over
180 on the gauge). As a result, the vessel is
squeezed closed, and the blood flow is
stopped. As air is slowly released from the
cuff, the air pressure inside decreases and
the artery opens up enough for a small
amount of blood to pass through.
When this happens, a sound can be heard
through the stethoscope. When the first
sound is heard this represents the systolic
pressure (make sure you record the number
on the gauge when you hear this sound).
You will hear loud thumps as the pressure
continues to fall and eventually the sound
diminishes. The final sound heard
represents the diastolic pressure (again,
make sure that you record the number on
the gauge at this final sound).
Thus, a result of a blood pressure
measurement reads like 120/80. The upper
number being the systolic pressure in
mmHg and the lower number indicates
diastolic pressure in mmHg.
Once Hypertension Has Been Diagnosed