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Measurements of blood pressure are written as two numbers. For example, the normal blood pressure for a young adult is 120/80. The first number refers to the systolic pressure, which is the blood pressure when the heart is contracting. The second number refers to the diastolic pressure, which is the blood pressure when the heart is relaxing. Many doctors believe that a reading greater than 150/95 for an adult indicates hypertension.
Hypertension Treatment Treatment.
People of all ages should have their blood pressure checked frequently.
Many cases of mild hypertension can be controlled by weight reduction,
avoidance of salty foods, and increased exercise. Doctors can control
almost all other cases with drugs, including some medications that
reduce the secretion of renin and aldosterone. The more serious
consequences of hypertension, such as heart attacks and strokes,
can be prevented by treating high blood pressure before it reaches
dangerous levels. |
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Hypertension
is the medical term for the disease commonly called high blood
pressure. There are many varieties of hypertension. They range
from mild forms to an extremely severe--and often rapidly fatal--type
called malignant hypertension. High blood pressure is not only
a serious condition by itself, but it is also the leading cause
of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Many people of
all ages suffer from hypertension.