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Blood Pressure
The Silent Killer — Blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure or force inside your arteries with each heartbeat. It's written as two numbers, such as 122/78 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). The top, systolic number is the pressure when the heart beats. The bottom, diastolic number is the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
If your blood pressure is consistently above the normal range, it means you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure affects over 65 million Americans. Over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels and major organs (heart, kidneys) and lead to hardened arteries, heart failure, kidney failure, stroke or heart attack.
The greatest danger is that you usually can't tell you have high blood pressure. There are no signs and its cause is unknown. Although it can't be cured, through lifestyle changes, medications and working with your healthcare team, you can control it and prevent future problems.
Up and Down it Goes
From increasing when you're active or excited to decreasing when you're sitting or sleeping, your blood pressure fluctuates. Don't worry — that's normal! And that's why it is necessary to take several readings over a period of time to get an accurate indication of your true blood pressure level.
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Get Your Blood Pressure Under Control!
Ways to Lower Your Level:
- Achieve and maintain your ideal body weight.
- Follow a regular exercise program.
- Limit your intake of sodium (salt).
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Take medications as prescribed.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Quit smoking.
- Control stress and anger.
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Content taken from the 2006 Wal-Mart Healthy Heart Resource Book
courtesy of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
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