High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. Central blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Central blood pressure is important to measure because it is a better indicator of cardiovascular health than traditional blood pressure measurements.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. It is usually caused by lifestyle factors such as smoking, being overweight, or having a sedentary lifestyle. High blood pressure can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or high cholesterol.
How is blood pressure measured and recorded?
Blood pressure is measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer. This device measures the pressure of the blood in the arteries. The reading is recorded as two numbers, the systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart beats) and the diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart is at rest).
How is central blood pressure measured?
Central blood pressure is measured with a device called an applanation tonometer. This device measures the pressure of the blood in the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The reading is recorded as two numbers, the systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart beats) and the diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart is at rest).
Why is central blood pressure measurement important?
Central blood pressure is important to measure because it is a better indicator of cardiovascular health than traditional blood pressure measurements. Central blood pressure is a better predictor of heart attack and stroke risk than traditional blood pressure measurements. It is also a better predictor of the risk of developing kidney disease.
How is high central blood pressure treated?
High central blood pressure is usually treated with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Medications may also be prescribed to help lower blood pressure. These medications include diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.
References
- American Heart Association. (2020). What is High Blood Pressure? Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/what-is-high-blood-pressure
- American Heart Association. (2020). What is Central Blood Pressure? Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/what-is-central-blood-pressure
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Central Blood Pressure Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/central-blood-pressure/about/pac-20384590
Keywords: central blood pressure, high blood pressure, cardiovascular health, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, lifestyle changes, medications