What is it?  
Hypertension is more commonly known as high blood pressure.  Blood pressure is the force the blood puts on the arteries as it courses through the body.  When too much force is put on the arteries for long periods of time, damage to the blood vessels, the heart, the kidneys, the eyes and the brain can occur. 

Who gets it?
Anyone can have high blood pressure, but some groups are more likely than others.  Hypertension is more likely in men younger than 44 (but men and women are equally likely after 44), people over 60 and African-Americans.  A family history also increases the risk.

What causes it?
In 95% of the cases of hypertension, the cause is unknown.  This is called essential hypertension.  Essential hypertension can be increased by obesity, smoking, diabetes, stress, lack of magnesium, calcium and potassium, lack of physical activity and chronic alcohol consumption.  The other 5% are caused by kidney disorders, tumors, pregnancy, birth-control pills and
adrenal gland disorders.  These must be treated by your medical doctor.

What are the symptoms?
Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because there are commonly no symptoms.  If symptoms do occur they tend to be headaches, chest pain or tightness, nosebleeds and numbness and tingling.  If experienced, these symptoms generally indicate severe uncontrolled hypertension.

What does my reading mean?
A blood pressure reading is given in two numbers, the first and higher number is the systolic pressure and the second and lower number is the diastolic pressure.  The systolic reading occurs when the heart is pumping at its peak force.  The diastolic reading occurs when the heart is at rest, refilling itself with blood.  To see if your reading falls in the risk range, look at Table 1.  It is important to note that to be diagnosed with hypertension, blood pressure must be taken on at least three separate occasions and be out of the normal range on each occasion.  If the reading is above normal it needs to be monitored regularly.

Table 1:  Classification of Adult Blood Pressure

What can I do to reduce or prevent hypertension?
Please be sure to consult your doctor before attempting any of the following suggestions to be sure they are right for you.  The first avenue to reducing essential hypertension should be a healthy diet, exercise, avoid smoking and stress reduction.  Some other beneficial therapies include:  Acupuncture, Massage or Shiatsu, Herbal Therapies, Meditation and Yoga.  Once these have been tried and have been unsuccessful, medications may be necessary to control the blood pressure.