What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the result of two forces: the force created as blood flows through your arteries and the force created as your arteries resist the blood flow.

Blood pressure, measured in milimeters of mercury (mm Hg), is composed of two figures: the systolic (higher number) and the diastolic (lower number). The systolic pressure represents the pressure while your heart is contracting. The diastolic pressure represents the pressure while your heart is relaxing. The systolic is always stated first. For instance, 117/76 (117 over 76); systolic = 117, diastolic = 76.

A normal healthy blood pressure, for an adult, is a systolic of less than 120 and a diastolic of less than 80.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as a systolic of greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg or a diastolic greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg.

Blood pressure that stays between 120-139/80-90 is considered prehypertension.

High blood pressure, known as the “silent killer”, afflicts nearly one of every three adults in the U.S. Nearly one-third of those afflicted don’t even know they have high blood pressure.

Get the Facts

NEARLY 1 IN 3 ADULTS HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE...

An estimated 65 million adults have hypertension; it is estimated that 1/3 of these adults are unaware that they have high blood pressure, 1/2 are not being treated and 2/3 do not have their hypertension under control.

*source: Journal of American Medical Association

What Can You Do To Beat Hypertension?

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
A very important gauge of your overall health is your blood pressure. Purchase a blood pressure monitor online or from your local pharmacy and begin to monitor at home. When it's time for a medical checkup, share your numbers with your doctor to help maintain or identify treatments.

Take Your Medication Regularly
Schedule regular appointments with your doctor to identify the best treatments to manage your high blood pressure... treatment doesn't end when you leave the office. Make certain to take your medication as prescribed.

Physical Activity and Diet
An essential key to a healthy lifestyle is regular physical activity that just requires a brisk walk to start your day or a run through the neighborhood. The key is being active! Eating a healthy low-fat diet, fruit, vegetables and low sodium will help.