Blood pressure is the force on the walls of the arteries as the blood circulates.  Blood pressure allows blood to flow and deliver nutrients to the body. Blood pressure is measured with two numbers. The top number is the blood pressure when your heart beats (systolic). The bottom number is your blood pressure when your heart relaxes and refills with blood (diastolic). The higher your numbers and the longer they are high, the more damage is caused to your blood vessels.

A doctor will diagnose high blood pressure by using a special cuff to measure your diastolic and systolic numbers. Normal blood pressure is usually defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg. A single high blood pressure reading does not necessarily mean you have hypertension. Your doctor may ask you to come back for several readings. It’s important to be calm and rested when you have your blood pressure taken because the readings can be affected by emotional stress and other external factors. You may find that monitoring your blood pressure at home is helpful.

Blood pressure increases as you get older but can affect people of all ages. More than nine in ten Canadians will develop high blood pressure (hypertension) unless they follow a healthy lifestyle. High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart attacks, and/or heart and kidney failure. It is also related to dementia and sexual problems. These problems can be prevented if high blood pressure is controlled.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest that you make some changes to your lifestyle, including:

• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Take time to relax and reduce stress
• Eat a well balanced diet that's low in salt and fat
• Cut down on alcohol consumption
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly
• Start a regular exercise program

If you take medication for high blood pressure it’s important that you:

• Take your medications regularly and as instructed
• Place your medication next to an item that you use at the same time every day, for example, the cup or bowl you use for breakfast. This will help you to remember to take your medication
• Call your doctor or pharmacist if you feel unwell after starting a new medication
• Tell your pharmacist and your doctor if you are having trouble remembering to take your medication. They may be able to help
• If you take other medications, consider purchasing a "dossette" or asking your pharmacist about "blister packs" to organize your medications