Blood Pressure: Causes, Risks & Early Warning Signs
A to Z About Blood Pressure Blood pressure is more than just a number your doctor mentions during check-ups—it's a critical measure of how your heart and arteries are functioning. It is one of the most misunderstood, underestimated, and neglected aspects of our health. Millions walk around with undiagnosed high blood pressure , also known as hypertension , unaware that it is silently damaging their organs. What Is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. It is recorded as two numbers: systolic (when the heart beats) over diastolic (when the heart rests between beats). A normal reading is considered to be around 120/80 mmHg . How and Why It Develops There are multiple causes of high blood pressure including genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, obesity, smoking, alcohol, and even sleep deprivation. However, many people develop it due to a combination of genetic predisposition and envi...