Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure and your health :

                    Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood to all parts of the body. It’s measured as systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes). Normal blood pressure is 120/80.

Elevated blood pressure indicates that the heart is working harder than normal, putting both the heart and the arteries under strain. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 is considered high.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the heart’s workload, causing the heart to enlarge and weaken over time. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure. When high blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times.*

Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because it can occur at any age and without symptoms. That’s why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked when you visit your doctor. If you have high blood pressure, then you and your doctor can work together to help control it with the proper diet, exercise and medication. 

Work with your doctor to control your blood pressure

             If you have high blood pressure, there’s a lot you can do to reduce it. First, work with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. It may include a low-fat, low-salt diet, losing weight, getting more exercise, and reducing alcohol consumption. Excess weight is closely associated with increased blood pressure. If you’re more than 10 percent above your ideal weight, your blood pressure could be lowered with just 10 pounds of weight loss. And if you smoke – quit. It’s another major risk factor for heart disease.

If your blood pressure does not reach an acceptable level after two to three months of making lifestyle changes like these, your doctor may recommend medication in addition to your lifestyle changes.

When you and your doctor work as a team to control your high blood pressure, you can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of more serious medical conditions.