What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is defined simply as abnormally high arterial blood pressure. The other factor to examine is the stiffness of the arterial walls. An explanation for this is if the arteries constrict and then the stiffness increased, this means the heart must exert a higher pressure to push blood via the arteries so that normal blood flow to the vital organs can be sustained. Subsequently, the person is considered to have hypertension as his stiffness becomes higher or in other words, constriction of arteries.
Although hypertension is not really a disease but just a sign of other diseases, hypertension patients still need to get treatment if their BP level is regularly found to be above ‘140/90’.
At the initial recording of one BP from a patient, generally most doctors will not let the patient begins on antihypertensive medication since doctors will normally first check again his BP after he has rested enough. Doctors will then measure his blood pressure once he has lied down for 15 to 20 minutes and both of his arms are then checked. After that, his urine sample is collected. Finally, doctors will request him to return to the clinic or hospital for more check-ups if they are still not convinced.
Therefore, it is recommended that the BP level should be checked regularly because prevention is better than cure.
Credits: Picture is taken from medicinenet.com for illustration