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Blood pressure: do you know your numbers?

What is blood pressure?

It's the pressure inside the body's arteries as the heart pumps blood through them. This pressure causes the blood to flow to all parts of the body.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:

• The first number, the systolic pressure, is the highest pressure in the arteries when the heart pumps blood into them.
• The second number, the diastolic pressure, is the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart rests to refill between beats.

What should your numbers be?

Normal blood pressure varies from person to person. One person's normal reading may be 100/60 (100 over 60) while another person's is 130/84. Also, your blood pressure varies to meet your body's needs. Exercise or stress, for example, can raise your blood pressure. Routine checks should be taken when you are at rest.

When is blood pressure too high?

If your blood pressure as an adult stays at 140/90 or higher at rest, that's too high. Such pressure can cause wear and tear on your arteries and weaken them. This can increase your risk for health problems.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called “the silent killer,” because it usually has no symptoms. In fact, many people don't know they have it. If it is not treated, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and many other health problems.

What causes high blood pressure?

In most cases, we don't know the cause. But we do know there are factors that can increase your risk for high blood pressure. These include heredity, age, race, obesity, and a lack of regular physical activity.

What can you do to help lower or control your blood pressure and decrease your risk for other health problems?

• Stop smoking.
• Control your weight.
• Start a program of regular exercise.
• Eat healthy. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Lower your intake of fats and salt.
• Limit alcohol – follow your health care provider's advice.
• Limit caffeine intake (from coffee, tea, and colas).
• Manage your stress level.
• Follow your health care provider's advice about regular check-ups.

Know your numbers, and ask your health care provider for more advice on controlling your blood pressure.