KNOW YOUR NUMBERS:
BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is known as a “silent killer” because it has no warning signs and can lead to life-threatening conditions like a heart attack or stroke. If left untreated, high blood pressure can dangerously affect your heart and the rest of your body.
The only way to know your blood pressure is to have it tested. A reading by a health care professional can determine whether you’re at risk. Thankfully, if you know your blood pressure numbers are outside the healthy range, you can take measures to get yourself back into good health.
Blood pressure is the amount of force it takes your heart to pump blood through your body. Your blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day.
High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. It can also cause damage to your brain, eyes, and arteries. There are no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, so knowing your numbers is key to good health.
You may be able to control high blood pressure through healthy lifestyle changes, including:
If needed, your doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate your blood pressure.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). During a reading, a health care professional will record your blood pressure as two numbers:
While both numbers are significant, more attention is typically given to the first number (your systolic blood pressure) to figure out your risk for heart disease.
This document is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.