High blood pressure, also known as hypertension which affects millions also includes teens and children. An ideal BP level for an adult is less than or equal to 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. Various stages of hypertension are:* Normal: less than 120/80
* Prehypertension: 120/80 to 139/89
* High BP Stage 1: 140/90 to 159/99
* High BP Stage 2: 160/100 or higher
* Crisis (Emergency): more than 180/110
High BP may silently damage (may lead to death) your body before symptoms develop. If left uncontrolled it may lead to disability, poor quality of life, other health problems or fatal heart attack. There are many causes for high BP like overweight, improper diet, eating too much salt, family history with BP, drinking too much alcohol.
Preventive measures include maintain proper body weight, healthy diet, reduction in salt and sodium intake, quitting smoking and alcohol, regular exercise, reduce stress, regular BP monitoring. If you are prescribed with BP medicines please follow doctor’s instructions without fail.
