As the heart compresses it will drive this blood into the arteries which makes an increase in pressure. This increase in pressure is noted as systolic pressure.

When the heart decompresses and fills with blood, the pressure in the arteries then declines which is noted as the diastolic pressure. When the blood pressure is evaluated in the arm, it is both of these pressures which are evaluated.

Depression, though not directly related to high blood pressure, is often one of the consequences when hypertension begins to affect the body's organs and the health issues become more complicated.

Blood pressure is always applied as a systolic and diastolic pressure number, and is an important measurement. The measurements are always written one preceding or before the other number, such as 120/80 and always stated in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

The systolic pressure is the 1st or top side number, and the diastolic pressure is the 2nd or lowermost number (for example, 120/80), so if your blood pressure is 120/80, it is translating to 120 over 80.

Blood pressure will have a wide range with a variety of people. For example, the top reading which is when the heart contracts (systolic) can change from 90 to 240 mmHg and the bottom pressure which is when the heart relaxes (diastolic) can often change from 40 to 160 mmHg.

Blood pressure can also vary significantly depending on what you are doing during the day. The lowest blood pressures usually happen when you are sleeping or if resting all the muscles. Standing for periods of time, or if you're performing any form of exercise, any anxiety and problems, or nerviness can also create increases in blood pressure.

Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

For the bulk of the waking hours, the blood pressure remains about the same whether you are sitting or standing still, so ideally, the blood pressure should be 120/80 or lower when the body is rested.

If the blood pressure is steady and remains high at 140/90 or higher, this may indicate a disease called Hypertension which essentially means high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a serious disease because it has the heart working much harder. If the heart has to work harder for extended periods, it will become large.

Family history - a history of high blood pressure in your family can put you into a high risk group of having high blood pressure. It is common for high blood pressure to be passed down from generation to generation.

The higher the blood pressure is the more risk you have of acquiring heart disease and stroke. This means somebody with a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg is at greater risk than someone with a blood pressure of 120/70 mmHg. And is the reason it is so important for all to lead a wholesome lifestyle to make sure their blood pressure is as low and as healthy as it can be.

Smoking - cigarette smoking does not cause high blood pressure. Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the heart and increases the heart's demand for oxygen.

Severe cases of Hypertension will need prescription medications such as diuretics and beta blockers. Diuretics aid the body in getting rid of any excess fluids and salt. But, from individual experience, keep course of the potassium levels also. Beta blockers will lower the heart rate and the hearts output of blood. These then lower the risk of developing heart and brain problems.