You hear it talked about a lot. But why all the fuss? If I feel fine, why should I worry?

Blood pressure is the pressure generated inside your arteries from the beating heart. The top number is the pressure generated when the heart contracts, and the bottom number is the pressure that remains between beats. Low blood pressure causes weakness and dizziness and usually prompts a visit to the clinic. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, usually causes no symptoms. Even though the blood vessels are under extra pressure and the heart has to work harder, the body compensates and we go about our normal lives. However, the added work on the arteries and heart over the years increases the risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. If your top number is running consistently over 140 and/or the bottom over 90, we need to talk. If you don’t know where your blood pressure normally runs, please have it checked. Stay healthy!

L. Jeffery Chappell. M.D., Wayne Community Health Center.