High blood pressure check

Nearly 50% of Hong Kong's elderly and about 30% of its middle-aged population suffer from hypertension. Patients may not experience obvious symptoms, leading to a gradual deterioration of their condition until various complications (such as heart disease and stroke) occur, at which point they are often unaware of their illness. Therefore, hypertension is often referred to as a "silent killer." Hypertension is a preventable and controllable chronic disease. Understanding blood pressure standards and having regular hypertension checkups can reduce the risk of developing hypertension.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of arteries as it flows. The pressure exerted by the heart pumping blood into the arteries is called systolic pressure, while the pressure exerted by blood flowing back into the heart during relaxation is called diastolic pressure. These two represent the pressure that blood vessels experience during the heart's contraction and relaxation, respectively. Changes in pressure create hypertension and hypotension.

Definition of hypertension

According to the World Health Organization , hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher in an adult at rest.

However, blood pressure is not constant and fluctuates depending on a person's state. For example, it may rise during exercise or activity, or when one is emotionally excited or nervous, and then drop when one calms down. Therefore, blood pressure should be measured several times to understand the average trend in order to diagnose whether one has hypertension.

High blood pressure check

The most common way to check blood pressure is using a sphygmomanometer. An air pump inflates a cuff in the arm to restrict blood flow in the aorta, then gradually releases the pressure until blood begins to flow through the artery. This allows you to sense the systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and pulse rate. Blood pressure is best measured twice, once in the morning upon waking and once before bedtime, with at least a one-minute interval between each measurement.

Since high blood pressure may not have obvious symptoms, it is recommended that adults measure their blood pressure regularly.

Blood pressure classification	Blood pressure level (mmHg) - Systolic pressure	Blood pressure level (mmHg) - Diastolic pressure	suggestion
Ideal blood pressure	Below 120	Below 80	Have a check-up within two years (or annually for those over 75).
Normal blood pressure	120-129	80-84	Check once a year
High-normal blood pressure	130-139	85-89	Check every six months
hypertension	140 or above	90 or above	Schedule an appointment with your family doctor as soon as possible for advice.

Factors that cause high blood pressure

Over 90% of hypertension cases are primary hypertension, meaning the exact cause cannot be identified. However, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing hypertension:

- Obesity

- Long-term consumption of high-sodium foods

- Smoking

- Excessive drinking

- Lack of sleep

- Lack of exercise

- Excessive mental stress

- Family medical history

- old age

Preparation before blood pressure check

- It's best to take measurements at the same time each time, right after waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night.

- Blood pressure should be measured before taking antihypertensive medication.

-Rest quietly for 3 to 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure.

- If you have just finished exercising, rushed around, eaten, or taken a shower, you should rest quietly for 10 to 15 minutes before taking your blood pressure.

Avoid smoking, drinking tea, coffee, and other stimulating beverages containing alcohol.

- When taking measurements, sit comfortably in a chair with your upper body upright and your back against the chair back.

- Feet on the ground, do not cross your legs.

- Do not speak when taking blood pressure.

- Ensure your arms are at the same level as your heart, palms up, relaxed and not clenched.

Preventing hypertension

A balanced diet low in salt, fat, and sugar, regular exercise each week, quitting smoking and alcohol, and managing stress can all help prevent high blood pressure. Adults should have regular checkups for high blood pressure and heart failure to detect hypertension early and seek medical help for timely treatment to avoid complications.