Blood Pressure Cheat Sheet

Systolic Pressure Diastolic Pressure What does that mean? The top number of your blood pressure reading, also the higher of the two numbers, is measuring the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts). The bottom number, also the lower of the two numbers, is measuring the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood). Together these two numbers are measuring the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls.
What does my reading mean?

This chart reflects blood pressure categories Blood Pressure Levels systolic: less than 120 mmHg Normal diastolic: less than 80mmHg systolic: 120139 mmHg At risk (prehypertension) diastolic: 8089 mmHg systolic: 140 mmHg or higher High diastolic: 90 mmHg or higher

What Affects Blood Pressure? There are numerous factors that can affect blood pressure including: -Genetics -People over the age of 35 -People who are not physically active -Poor diet Why is it important to check your Blood Pressure? Often referred to as the silent killer, high blood pressure does not show any signs or have any symptoms so people are unaware of the damage its causing their heart, arteries, and other organs. Untreated high blood pressure is the leading cause of death in the United States and can lead to a variety of outcomes including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, fluid in the lungs, and vision loss. Prevention and Treatment: -Listen to your doctor -Take your medication (if prescribed by your doctor) -Avoid smoking - Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt, saturated fat, added sugars, and cholesterol -Exercise regularly -Get your blood pressure screened on a regular basis