High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer” because you don’t exhibit clear signs or symptoms until it has damaged your heart or arteries. About 85 million Americans have high blood pressure and nearly 20% of those people aren’t even aware of it! Managing your blood pressure is an important component of cardiovascular health, and February is the perfect time for you to learn more about your numbers!
Blood pressure is the force blood exerts on arterial walls. Systolic (the top number) is the force when your heart is beating, and diastolic (the bottom number) is the force when your heart is resting between beats.
Blood pressure can be influenced by many factors throughout the day including drinking coffee, exercising, and feeling symptoms of stress and or anxiety. If you currently have high blood pressure, or just aren’t sure, try monitoring your blood pressure twice a day (morning and evening). In the morning give yourself a few minutes to start your day and get ready for work, then measure your blood pressure before eating/drinking or taking any medication. Take the second reading in the evening and compare your results. You can track your readings on the next page over the next month.
Tips On Taking Your Blood Pressure:
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist at your local drug store to find out which type of home blood pressure monitor is best for you.
• Avoid food, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
• Always use the same arm and sit up straight with your legs & feet uncrossed.
• Take your blood pressure at the same time every day.
• After the first reading, wait a few minutes and take your blood pressure again to make sure you are
getting an accurate reading.
• Home blood pressure monitoring should not replace regular visits with your doctor. If you are currently on blood pressure medication, do not change your dosage or medication routine without talking to your doctor.
What Does My Blood Pressure Reading Mean?
Below are the values for each classified blood pressure range:
Normal: Less than 120/80
Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89
Hypertension Stage 1: 140-159/90-99
Hypertension Stage 2: 160 or higher/100 or Higher
Hypertensive crisis: Higher than 180/Higher than 110
