How to Check for High Blood Pressure

A global bane

Each year, millions of individuals die due to high blood pressure across the globe. This condition can affect anybody anywhere and at anytime. The devastating global effect of high blood pressure (BP) is due to the direct stress that it puts on the heart muscles and blood vessel walls. Heart attacks, hemorrhage, paralysis and similar ailments are some of the ultimate effects of high blood pressure. High BP effectively reduces your lifespan and is the leading cause for premature deaths.

Understanding Blood Pressure

In biological terms, blood pressure can be effectively defined as the pressure felt by the walls of a blood vessel due to the circulation of blood within them. Blood is pumped by the heart and travels all over the body in blood vessels. The blood pressure is highest near the heart and gradually decreases as the blood moves farther away. The lowest blood pressure is felt in the veins coming back to the heart. Other than distance and type of blood vessel, factors such as gravity, muscle contractions and valve function also influence blood pressure. The blood pressure measurements have a systolic and diastolic reading or a maximum and minimum reading. It generally refers to the reading obtained from just under the arm and above the elbow.

What causes High Blood Pressure

In 10% of all cases, high blood pressure comes about as a symptom of some other primary disease or condition. Kidney diseases such as chronic tumors of the adrenalin glands, birth conditions such as narrow blood vessels, pregnancy, the use of contraceptive pills, excess alcohol intake and thyroid dysfunction are some of the afflictions that always result in high blood pressure. The cure also lies in these diseases. Treating the disease will also bring down the blood pressure. This kind of high blood pressure is called ‘secondary hypertension’. In the remaining high blood pressure cases, the root of high BP is vague. This is called ‘primary hypertension’. Only factors contributing to the condition can be speculated and treated. Even then it will not completely cure high blood pressure.

Symptoms to check for Hypertension

High blood pressure is called ‘the silent killer’ for a reason. It has no symptoms to suggest its arrival. High blood pressure although has no immediate adverse symptoms but always results in health complications down the line. Extended durations of high blood pressure will cut many useful years from one’s life. Symptoms suggesting that there may be high blood pressure can be very misleading and can very easily misinterpreted for some other ailment. Hence, the only way you can check for hypertension is by taking regular blood pressure checkups and by understanding the various causes of hypertension.

Contributing factors to High BP

There are two basic categories of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. The first category is unchangeable factors. Age is the foremost constant factor. Aging blood vessels tend to have stiffer walls. This directly affects the systolic blood pressure. Aging brings about a process called ‘arteriosclerosis’ which is irreversible and leads to high blood pressure. The family history also governs the probability of high blood pressure. A person belonging to a family history of hypertension is subject to higher risks from the same. Other factors such as gender and race also contribute to high blood pressure.

The second is category is changeable categories. Obesity is a major cause of high blood pressure in the modern world. A BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30kg/m2 or more indicates a higher probability of high blood pressure. The excess fat in the body squeezes the blood vessels and heart thus, making the heart beat faster and increasing the blood pressure. Excess sodium in the blood elevates blood pressure. Some people are more susceptible than others to this increase in sodium levels. Pain killers obtained over the counter at pharmacies and fast food are some sources of high sodium. Reducing the intake of these high risk items will help lower blood pressure. Other such contributors include alcoholism and drug addiction.

How to measure blood pressure


The most common method of measuring blood pressure as used by doctors and nurses is also one of the oldest as well. Sphygmomanometer is a device used for a very long time. It measures blood pressure in the artery just on the surface of your bicep. This method was developed in 1876 and uses a Stethoscope. It involves strapping an inflatable cuff over the bicep muscle tightly and inflating it by squeezing a rubber bulb. By using a stethoscope, the examiner listens in on the blood flowing through that area. The inflated cuff is then deflated slowly and the point at which blood flow resumes corresponds to the systolic pressure which is measured using a mercury column. The cuff is slowly loosened until no more sound can be heard. At this point, the mercury column gives the diastolic pressure. A similar device for domestic use is available as well which involves a Digital Blood Pressure Monitor and works on the oscillatory method. There are many more measuring devices available commercially for domestic use that you can find at Vitality Medical. Visit the Blood Pressure Store online to find Automatic & Manual Blood Pressure Monitors, Sphygmomanometers, Aneroid Sphygmomanometers, Blood Pressue Cluffs, and Blood Pressure Accessories.

Steps to control blood pressure

There are two main contributors to blood pressure on a daily basis. They are stress and improper diet. Today’s fast paced life and numerous responsibilities, leads a man to live a stressful life. Taking a few minutes out of the day to do some kind of relaxing activity such as yoga, swimming, gym etc. will help keep the daily stress under check. Taking up a sport on weekends such as golf, tennis, billiard etc. can also reduce stress levels. A lot of people say that they do not get enough time to exercise because of their schedules. Learn to make time for exercising because nothing keeps a check on blood pressure levels like regular physical exercise. Maintain a proper diet on a regular basis. Avoid foods high in sodium and opt for home cooked meals rather than takeout food or fast food. The cholesterol level of your body depends on the kind of food you consume and this directly affects blood pressure. High cholesterol clogs blood vessels by accumulation. For people already suffering from high BP there are many different drugs available over the counter to reduce blood pressure levels and also to keep them in check. Consult your doctor or physician before taking any drugs.