‘What is Hypertension?’

Procedure for Taking Blood Pressure

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Blood PressureIf you suffer from hypertension, a necessary part of treatment is to monitor blood pressure, which can be done at home, through devices called sphygmomanometers.

There are many types sphygmomanometers, but in general they all include an inflatable rubber bladder covered by a fabric sleeve, and a pressure measurement system connected to the cuff, either in a column of mercury or a metal diaphragm system. Sphygmomanometers are complemented with a normal stethoscope stethoscope or which may be included in the unit or be a separate item.

To take the pressure, sit quietly 5 minutes, without smoking or drinking coffee with an empty bladder. (more…)

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What is Hypertension?

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is increasing pressure numbers (blood) pressure above certain values that change with age.

Usually said that a person has hypertension where three measurements at random for a month, their values are higher than 140 mmHg systolic blood pressure (SBP or commonly the “high”) and 90 mmHg diastolic blood pressure (DBP or “low”).

The Hypertension is not a disease in itself but is a risk factor for various diseases such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction or stroke.

It is important to have controlled blood pressure numbers to avoid different complications of disease and risk for suffering another. There are 2 types of hypertension:

* Essential hypertension: the most common and that is 90% of the population
* Secondary hypertension: to some underlying disease (pej pheochromocytoma)

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