Despite much publicity on the subject, some people still remain ignorant of the facts of high blood pressure. In many cases it is because they choose to be so. But by developing the attitude of burying one's head in the sand, you are gambling with your life and life is precious. Many lives have been brought to an abrupt premature end by thinking in this way.

Since this condition is so widespread throughout the world, the health authorities have tried many ways to make people more aware of the implications. If you suffer from hypertension, as many as 25% of the world's population could be victims but up to 30% of the victims could be unaware that they have the condition.

One of the ways it has been made easier to detect is by being able to purchase a blood pressure monitor from a number of different outlets. Pharmacies for example, even some supermarkets stock them. This eliminates the provisional visit to your doctor but if your blood pressure is high after checking it the required three times, a visit to your doctor for advice is recommended.

To find our what your blood pressure should be is quite simple. Blood pressure is quoted in two numbers. The top number is the pressure in the arteries (working) as the heart is pumping the blood around the body. The bottom number is the pressure when the heart is being filled with blood (at rest) before the next beat and pumps blood. Less than 130/80 is acceptable; 130/80 - 140/80 is verging on high blood pressure and 140/80 is considered high.

Blood pressure can vary throughout the day depending on the activities you are involved in. The reason for taking a check three times is that you must be completely relaxed to attain an accurate result.

So being made aware of hypertension and what your blood pressure should be, the next step is to control it, if it is found to be on the high side.

Advice regarding this should be provided by your doctor. However, if you are overweight, reducing the fat in your diet and taking some gentle exercise will help and you could see a reduction over a period of time.