Know Your Numbers:
Blood Pressure
I
t is estimated that one in three American adults has high
blood pressure (or hypertension). High blood pressure is a
major risk factor for developing heart disease, a stroke, congestive heart failure and kidney disease.
Unfortunately, many people with high blood pressure don’t
even know that they have it, which is why high blood pressure
is often called the “silent killer.” There are usually no warning
signs or symptoms that you have high blood pressure until
other serious problems occur. That’s why it’s a good idea to
have your blood pressure checked on a
regular basis. High blood pressure is
easily detectable (a blood pressure
check is part of any routine
doctor’s visit), and it’s usually
controllable.
!
Blood pressure is the force of blood
pushing against blood vessel walls. The
heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood
vessels), which carry blood throughout
the body. High blood pressure is
dangerous because it makes the heart
work harder to pump blood to the body.
There are two measures of blood pressure (e.g., 120/80, or
“120 over 80”). The top number (called systolic pressure) is the
pressure when the heart contracts. The bottom number
(diastolic pressure) is the pressure when the heart rests
between beats. Here are the categories of blood pressure:
Normal: Less than 120/80
Pre-hypertension: 120-139/80-89
Stage 1 hypertension: 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 hypertension: 160+/100+
132/85
SAM’S NUMBERS SHOW…
Sam takes pride in the fact that he fits a daily workout into his schedule, and he
generally eats healthy foods. Unfortunately, Sam may not be as healthy as he thinks
because of job stress and a genetic predisposition for high blood pressure (Sam’s
mother has high blood pressure). Recently Sam participated in a health screening on
campus and his blood pressure reading was 132/85. Fortunately, it’s not in the “high”
or hypertension range yet, but Sam clearly falls in the “pre-hypertension” category. He
has scheduled a follow-up doctor’s visit to learn more about how he can keep his blood
pressure under control.
…HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A CONCERN