Understanding Your BLOOD PRESSURE
Today your Blood Pressure is: ____________
What Does Blood Pressure Measure?
Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood through the arteries. The blood travels through the circulatory system delivering needed oxygen and nutrients to the organs and muscles of the body. The force of the blood being pushed through the arteries causes pressure against the vessel walls; this force is the BLOOD PRESSURE.
Blood pressure is recorded as a fraction, 120/80. The top number is the SYSTOLIC pressure; the bottom number is the DIASTOLIC pressure. Systolic pressure is measured when the heart contracts, forcing blood out into the aorta and through the arteries, exerting maximum pressure against the vessel walls.
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure (HBP), or Hypertension, can be easily detected and in May 2003 new guidelines were set to assist in earlier detection of high blood pressure. In most cases, HBP can be controlled through lifestyle modifications. Some of these modifications include: weight reduction; reduction of sodium (salt) intake; stress management; modification of fast; restriction/reduction of alcohol; tobacco avoidance; low/moderate aerobic exercise; reduction/restriction or caffeine.
High blood pressure should not be diagnosed on the basis of a single measurement. An average of multiple blood pressures, taken over a one to two month time period, should be used to diagnose hypertension.
| Category | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 119 or lower | 79 or lower |
| Prehypertensive | 120-139 | 80-89 |
| Hypertension | ||
| Stage 1 (Mild) | 140-159 | 90-99 |
| Stage 2 (Moderate) | 160-179 | 100-109 |
| Stage 3 (Severe) | 180-209 | 110-119 |
| Stage 4 (Very Severe) | >210 | >120 |