Is when a persons blood pressure is elevated above the normal level of 120/80 mm Hg

However, this level is not yet at the level to be considered hypertension.

When blood pressure is checked:

The first number:  Systolic is between 120 and 139 mm Hg

The second number:  Diastolic is between 80 and 89 mm Hg

When over 140/90 mm Hg – is considered hypertension

Two numbers measure blood pressure:
1.     Systolic pressure
2.     Diastolic pressure

It is believed that 1/3 of the population is pre-hypertensive

More often seen in men than women

Causes:

   -    Often no specific cause is linked
   -    Medications
   -    Kidney disease
   -    Adrenal problems
   -    Thyroid problems

Blood pressure often increases as age increases

Symptoms
•      Many have no symptoms at all
•      Headache
•      Dizziness
•      Nausea
•      Heart racing
•      Vision changes

Treatment

     -      Diet changes
     -      Increase of exercise
     -      Weight-loss
     -      Low fat diet
     -      Low sodium diet
     -      High potassium diet