Doctor Speak
High Blood Pressure
Sept. - Oct., 2011
Blood pressure is the force put on the] walls of the blood vessels with each heartbeat. Blood pressure helps move blood through your body.
Taking Your Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is often checked by putting a wide band called a cuff around your upper arm. Air is pumped into the cuff. Your blood pressure is measured as the air is let out of the cuff.
Blood pressure is one number over a second number.
- The top number is higher and is called the systolic reading. It is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart pumps.
- The bottom number is lower and is called the diastolic reading. It is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart rests between beats.
Normal Blood Pressure
Normal blood pressure is 120 over 80 or less. Blood pressure varies from person to person. Each person’s blood pressure changes from
hour to hour and from day to day.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is also called hypertension. High blood pressure is 140 over 90 or higher. A diagnosis of high blood pressure is not made until your blood pressure is checked several times and it stays high.
The harder it is for blood to flow through your blood vessels, the higher your blood pressure numbers. With high blood pressure, your heart is working harder than normal. High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and hardening of the blood vessels.
Signs of High Blood Pressure
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked. Most people do not have any signs. Some people may have a headache or blurred vision.
Your Care
Blood pressure control is very important. If you have high blood pressure you should: Read more...
