Blood pressure can be defined as the force exerted during heartbeats on the arteries. Blood pressure differs from person to person. It can change with time also. Blood pressure can be one thing in the mornings and at night it can be different. As blood is pumped through the body, it carries oxygen and nutrients that are vital for life. Because of this pumping action of the heart and the size and suppleness of the arteries that carry blood, the blood is usually under pressure. This blood pressure is an important and normal part of the way the body functions.

Blood pressure can be measured with the help of an instrument called a sphygmomanometer. This instrument is a hand pump and an arm cuff, which detects Blood pressure with the help of a stethoscope or by a digital machine. The blood pressure is written down as one number over the other, such as 120/80.

Blood pressure is composed of two numbers, the systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats and diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart does not beat. If the blood pressure is measured as 120/80 then 120 denotes the systolic pressure and 80 denotes the diastolic pressure. Both the numbers are equally important. If the systolic pressure or the top number is more, for example if the blood pressure is measured as 140/90, then the patient is suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure. It is very important to keep the blood pressure under control in order to avoid various health risk factors like heart or kidney disorders.

It's normal to have high blood pressure when you exert yourself, or when you feel stressed out or uneasy. However, if you have constant high blood pressure you must go for treatment. Blood pressure can be high as well as low. If your blood pressure is measured below or above the normal level then you need treatment.

Blood pressure rises with age. It is important that you get your blood pressure checked regularly so that your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems can be assessed.

If you are overweight you should aim to lose weight since obesity or being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure. The intake of too much salt also increases the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. You have to lead a very healthy lifestyle if you are living with high blood pressure. You should keep your diet and weight in check to help regulate your blood pressure and make living with high blood pressure easy.

If you suspect you are suffering with abnormal blood pressure you should consult your primary care physician immediately.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Health Matters. To find out how you can get more information and sign up for a Free Newsletter dedicated to treating High Blood Pressure please visit Natural Blood Pressure Reduction.