 Get the Low Down on High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure or hypertension affects
approximately 50 million people in the US. It
is one of the risk factors for heart disease,
the number one killer of African Americans. May
is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month.
Be Good to your heart and have your blood pressure
checked.
What is blood pressure?
The heart functions in many ways like a pump,
moving blood through a system of pipes called
blood vessels. The force at which the heart
pumps the blood and the pressure generated by
the blood in the blood vessels is called the
blood pressure.
How is it measured?
The measurement of the blood pressure is expressed
by two numbers, the systolic blood pressure
(upper number) and the diastolic blood pressure
(bottom number). You will see this value expressed
like this: 125/85.
Normal blood pressure is approximately 115/75.
Why is it important to watch your Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure forces the heart to work
harder pumping blood, putting a strain on the heart,
blood vessels, and kidneys. Over time this extra
work can be very damaging. High blood pressure also
increases a person's chances of having a heart attack
and stroke.
Who's at risk for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
- African Americans
- Smokers
- Those who are overweight
- Family history of Hypertension
Prevention is the Key
- Know your blood pressure. Check it monthly and keep a record.
- Don't smoke. The nicotine from smoking can constrict arteries
and keep blood pressure high.
- Gradually increase your amount of exercise by walking, marching
in place, or walking up and down several flights of stairs.
- Maintain an ideal weight by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables,
lean cuts of meats and low or non-fat dairy products.
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