Prehypertension is a medical issue that is typically when the blood pressure is slightly above normal but does not yet sound alarms enough for medication to be started.
Therefore it 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 High Blood pressure or Hypertension.
It is believed that 1/3 of the population is pre-hypertensive. More often seen in men than women. Blood pressure often increases as age increases.
Two numbers that measure blood pressure: Upper Number and Lower Number
1.) Systolic pressure
2.) Diastolic pressure
The first (Upper) number: Systolic is typically between 120 and 139 mm Hg
The second (Lower) number: Diastolic is typically between 80 and 89 mm Hg
* – These is normal levels
Hypertension
When over blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg – it is considered Hypertension
Treatment is often started when blood pressure is over 140/90.
Treatment of Hypertension may include medication, weight loss, exercise, treatment of stress, and/or pain management.
Causes of Prehypertension:
– Often no specific cause is linked
– Medications
– Kidney disease
– Adrenal problems
– Thyroid problems
– Genetics
– Lack of Exercise
– Obesity
– Others
Symptoms
– Many have no symptoms at all
– Headache
– Dizziness
– Nausea
– Heart racing
– Vision changes
Treatment of Prehypertension
– Diet changes
– Increase of exercise
– Weight-loss
– Low fat diet
– Low sodium diet
– High potassium diet