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Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff and recorded as two numbers that represent systolic (peak pressure, shown first) and diastolic (base pressure, shown second). If you are middle aged or older, systolic blood pressure is a better blood pressure indicator than diastolic of your risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first- and third-leading causes of death among Americans. This condition is associated with kidney disease (e.g. chronic glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis, polycystic renal disease, collagen disease of the kidney, obstructive uropathy) or pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, primary aldosteronism, hyperthyroidism, myxedema, coarctation of the aorta, or renovascular disease. At least two BP determinations should be taken on each of 3 days before a patient is diagnosed as hypertensive. Meditation and other therapies (e.g. biofeedback) have also been found to be effective. Effective medical control of hypertension will prevent or forestall most complications and will prolong life in patients with ISH or diastolic hypertension.
Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death among treated hypertensive patients.
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