- bottom of a blood pressure reading. HYPERTENSION WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE? WHO CAN GET HYPERTENSION? Blood Pressure is the pressure that blood exerts against the inner walls of blood vessels as it is pumped through the circulatory system. Normally, a healthy person has arteries that are strong, flexible and muscular. When the heart contracts, the force of blood against artery walls increases. This force, or pressure, is called systolic pressure, and it is the’number at the top of a blood pressure reading. By the same token, when the heart relaxes it causes the pressure against artery walls to decrease. This second pressure is called diastolic pressure, and is the number at the Anyone can have hypertension, but certain risk factors increase the chances for a person to become hypertensive. These factors include heredity, gender, age, race, obesity, and sensitivity to sodium (salt). Other factors ceomemeeg include heavy alcohol consumption, use of oral contraceptives, and a sedentary lifestyle. A ‘SILENT’ DISEASE Fifty percent of patient's who have hypertension, or high blood pressure, are.not aware of it because they do not have any outward symptoms. Although these patients may not feel their disease, hypertension can damage their bodies in a number of ways. Stroke, heart. attack, kidney failure, and blindness are some of the risks that result from hypertension. TAKE ACTION! Although high blood pressure cannot be cured, it can be controlled with diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medication. Monitor your blood pressure regularly, and be sure to see your doctor for regular check-ups. MVNHC SANGEETA AHUJA, M.S., RD., C.D-N. Director Nutrition Services 107 West Fourth street Mount Vernon, NY 10550 Tel: 914-699-7200 Ext 535,On een Artery Diameter See your physician if 18&up your blood pressure a exceeds this level ae 3 — * Cut down on salt intake * Exercise regularly + Keep your weight in the normal range * Check for diabetes + Check your blood pressure regularly Limit your caffeine intake * Take your hypertension medicine as clirected * Take sinus remedies that contain pseudoephedrine * Drink alcohol excessively + Smoke * Lead a sedentary lifestyle Provided as a service by AstraZeneca a : if