Health: Why is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Important?

Why is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Important?

This is the second of five posts looking at blood pressure.  These will be posted daily, and will conclude with an article on why leading a paleolithic lifestyle can contribute to maintaining a healthy blood presure.  Read the previous article here:- 'What is Blood Pressure?'.

What is High Blood Pressure Important?

High blood pressure is a condition otherwise known as Hypertension.  If untreated this leads to a greatly increased risk of heart disease, heart failure and stroke.  It also can lead to damage of the small blood vessels in the kidneys and the eyes.

How common is high blood pressure?

In the UK (and US) about one in three adults have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a level consistently at or above a Systolic pressure of 140mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.

People with high blood pressure are three times more likely to develop heart disease and stroke.

People with high blood pressure are twice as likely to die from these as people with a normal blood pressure.

The only way to know for certain that you have high blood pressure is to get checked regularly, as there are no symptoms.  That is why it is known as the 'silent killer'.

Does this affect children too? 

Unfortunately this is beginning increasingly common for even young children.  You can read a previous post on this subject here:- Eight-to-Nine-Year-Olds With High Blood Pressure

Upcoming blog posts: 

3. What causes hypertension?

4. What can we do to maintain a healthy blood pressure?

5. Will a Paleolithic lifestyle help to lower hypertension?