Extremely high blood pressure — a top number (systolic pressure) of 180 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher or a bottom number (diastolic pressure) of 120 mm Hg or higher — can damage blood vessels. A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg.
High blood pressure puts a strain on blood vessels all over the body, including the arteries that lead to the brain. This means the heart has to work much harder to keep the blood circulation going. Too much force inside the blood vessels damages the artery walls and makes them weaker. As a result, the heart may not be able to pump blood effectively.
There are two main types of strokes:
*Strokes caused by blocked blood flow - ischemic stroke
*Strokes caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
Eighty percent of strokes are ischemic, caused by the narrowing of the large or small arteries of the brain, or by clots that block blood flow to the brain.
Strokes are more common among women than men, the American Stroke Association reports. Black people are also at higher risk than whites. High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and having obesity, can also increase the risk for developing high blood pressure.
High blood pressure and stroke
