Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Pressure is highest when the heart muscle beats or squeezes. This is the “top” number. Pressure is lowest when the heart muscle relaxes between beats. This is the “bottom” number.
Your blood pressure is normal, pre-hypertensive or high. Pre-hypertensive is the range between normal and high. These blood pressures can return to normal with some changes in your daily life. For instance, a weight loss of 10 pounds could reduce blood pressure. Adding fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products in your diet can help. Getting 30 minutes of exercise most days can also help to lower blood pressure. These life changes also help blood pressure medications work better.
The best possible blood pressure (BP)
120 or lower / 80
Pre-hypertension
120-139 / 80-89
High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension
140 or HIGHER / 90
Did you know?
o 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure. That is 72 million adults.
o More than 1 in 4 of those with high blood pressure do not know it.
o 1 billion people worldwide have high blood pressure.
o High blood pressure (BP) occurs at every age, even childhood.
o High blood pressure (BP) lasts a lifetime.
o If you’re African American, your risk of high blood pressure (BP) is higher.
o If you’re overweight, have a family history or have pre-hypertension, you’re more likely to have high blood pressure.
o High blood pressure (BP) is known as the “silent killer” because it often lacks symptoms.
Avoidance and treatment of high blood pressure (BP) include –
o maintaining a healthful weight
o consuming healthful meals
o not smoking
o exercising
o limiting alcohol
