Elevated Blood Pressure or hypertension is one of the most common diseases in Australia. Hypertension affects about 30 per cent of the Australian population and, because there are often no obvious symptoms, many people do not know their blood pressure is up and therefore leave their hypertension untreated.

Hypertension is one of the many risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. With high blood pressure, the heart works harder, your arteries take a beating, and your chances of a stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems are greater. Keep in mind that the risk of hypertension increases as you get older.

Blood Pressure is measured as two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Both are important. They are usually written one above or before the other, such as 120/80 mmHg (measured in millimeters of mercury, a unit for measuring pressure).

Blood pressure changes during the day. It is lowest when you sleep and rises when you get up. Blood pressure also can rise when you are excited, nervous, or active.

For most of your waking hours, your blood pressure remains pretty much the same when you are sitting or standing still. An optimal blood pressure reading has a systolic value less than 120mmHG and a diastolic value less than80mmHg. A normal reading has a systolic measurement of less than 130mmHg and diastolic values less than 85mmHg. Readings outside these may be considered to be hypertensive or the person to have high blood pressure.

Hypertension is treatable with lifestyle adjustments, such as losing weight and increasing physical activity, and with a range of medications.

The HealthPath™ Blood Pressure program monitors your blood pressure over time under the supervision of your pharmacist.

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