What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the main arteries of our bodies. Blood pressure is made by two forces. One is from the heart as it pushes blood into the arteries. The other is the force from the arteries as they reset the blood flow.

When blood pressure is too high problems will occur. This is called high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Blood pressure usually stays the same or rises slowly from early adulthood. It can rise more rapidly as you get older. Women’s blood pressure tends to be lower than in men, until after the menopause. High blood pressure and its problems are more common among black people than white.

Please visit a doctor.
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What influences Blood Pressure?

• Age. Blood pressure tends to rise with age.
• Family History. Children and siblings of people with high blood pressure are more likely to have high blood pressure.
• Weight. The more overweight you are the more likely you are to develop high blood pressure
• Drinking Alcohol. There would appear to be an increased risk to acquiring high blood pressure in people who drink three or more standard drinks a day.
• Diet. Some research shows that reducing salt intake may reduce blood pressure
• Smoking. This can cause a rise in blood pressure for a short time after each cigarette. In addition, the smoking can have harmful effects on the arties of the heart. Smokers with high blood pressure are at seriously at risk to stoke and heart attack.
• Stress. Persistent exposure to stress can result in high blood pressure.

If after reading this you are concerned, it may be important to have regular checks of your blood pressure to monitor blood pressures and make the necessary changes to your lifestyle.