World Hypertension Day: Keep your blood pressure under check. We tell you how

1.   Blood pressure is measured as two numbers, written one over the other and recorded in millimetres of mercury – for example, 120/78 mm Hg.

2.   The top (higher) number is the systolic pressure – the pressure in the arteries as the heart is contracting – and the bottom (lower) number is the diastolic pressure – the pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed between beats.

3.   High blood pressure is defined as a repeatedly elevated systolic pressure of 140 or higher OR a diastolic pressure of 90 or higher.

4.   Globally, nearly one billion people have high blood pressure (hypertension); of these, two-thirds are in developing countries.

5.   Hypertension is one of the most important causes of premature death worldwide and the problem is growing; in 2025, an estimated 1.56 billion adults will be living with hypertension.

6.    Hypertension is the leading cause of Cardiovascular disease #CVD# worldwide.

7.    Hypertension kills 8 million people every year worldwide and is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, foetal and maternal death in pregnancy, dementia and renal failure.

8.    People with hypertension are more likely to develop complications of diabetes.

9.    Elevated blood pressure in people less than 50 years old is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. As you get older, your systolic blood becomes a more important predictor of the risk of cardiovascular disease.

10.    Although increasing blood pressure is part of aging, a healthy low salt diet, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of this happening.

11.    Lifting weights can cause your blood pressure to rise. While exercises to lower blood pressure are an important part of heart health, the type of exercise you do is also a factor. The most common cause for high blood pressure with exercise is isometric activity. Straining or excessive weights will cause blood pressure to rise. If you’re finding that happens to you, cut back on the weight program and use far less weight but more repetitions, and remember to breathe throughout the exercise.

12.    Dietary salt is a significant factor in raising blood pressure in people with hypertension and in some people with normal blood pressure. If you are already overweight then a high intake of salt increases your risk of cardiovascular disease

13.    Potassium is critical for healthy blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high, it’s important to eat foods rich in potassium . That’s because potassium helps to relax the arterial walls and keep blood pressure in the healthy range. Good high potassium foods that lower blood pressure include eggplant, squash, bananas, coconut water, and baked potatoes.

14.    High blood pressure is especially concerning during the late stages of pregnancy . If untreated, it can cause harm to the child and mother.

15.    Blood pressure increases with age . Men have a greater risk of high blood pressure than women until age 45. From age 45–54, the percentages of men and women are similar. After age 55, women are more likely to develop high blood pressure than men are.

High blood pressure is called the “silent killer" because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not realize they have it; that is why it's important to get blood pressure checked regularly.


This information is provided by the Division of Prevention and Wellness within the Department of Public Health