Myth vs. Facts about High Blood Pressure

Exposing the truth:

Myth: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is normal. 

Fact: Though more than 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, hypertension is not a "normal" condition. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood 2003 guidelines (JNC VII) defines hypertension as blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure (top number) or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure (bottom number). This is usually read as ³ 140/90 mm Hg, including both the top and bottom numbers in the measurement.

Myth: High blood pressure isn't really dangerous.

 

Fact: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke involving almost 20 % of all adults and over 60 % of all senior citizens. It also can lead to other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney damage, dementia, and blindness.

Myth: In a blood pressure reading, the bottom number is more important than the top. 

Fact: Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers–the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). For many years, the focus of high blood pressure screening and treatment has been on diastolic blood pressure. However, clinical evidence suggests that controlling both the systolic and diastolic pressure is important to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Both the top and bottom numbers are important, and both should be within the recommended JNC VI goals.

http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/high-blood-pressure.aspx