Employee Health & Wellness: Hypertension

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a primary risk factor for heart disease, affecting 47% of adults in the United States. According to United HealthCare, “Blood pressure is what measures the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart beats and rests.” There are two components that make up your blood pressure reading: systolic and diastolic pressure. Your systolic, or top number, measures the pressure when your heart contracts while the diastolic, or bottom number, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests.

The only way to determine if you have hypertension is by monitoring your blood pressure. It is recommended that you measure your blood pressure at the same time every day, take several readings and record the results. Consistent elevation in blood pressure could mean you have hypertension or are at risk of developing it. Experts say a normal blood pressure reading has a systolic number less than 120 and a diastolic number less than 80. Leaving hypertension untreated can lead to serious health issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, brain complications and kidney disease. It is important to consult with your doctor and discuss any concerns you may have in order to put a plan into place and get on the right track.

Stress, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are only a few of the factors that can lead to high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight, as well as a healthy diet and exercise routine, can help reduce the risk of developing hypertension or lower your blood pressure levels if you already have this condition.