Blood pressure is defined as the force of blood on vein walls and is measured in milligrams of mercury. It is represented by two numbers - systolic, which is the pressure during heartbeats, and diastolic, which is the pressure between heartbeats. Blood pressure categories in adults include normal, prehypertension, and hypertension based on systolic and diastolic levels. Hypertension often has no symptoms so it important to get tested using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Prevention tips include eating a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.

1. BLOOD PRESSURE 101
Taking Control of the Silent Killer

2. Blood Pressure Definition
 Force of blood on vein walls
 Pressure units: milligrams of mercury (mgHg)
 Defined by two numbers
 Systolic: Pressure during beats
 Diastolic: Pressure between beats
 Read as systolic over diastolic level
 Example: 125 over 74

3. Adult Blood Pressure
Categories
 Normal
 Systolic> 120
 Diastolic> 80
 Prehypertension
 Systolic> 120-139
 Diastolic> 80-89
 Hypertension
 Systolic> 140
 Diastolic> 90

4. Detection
 No symptoms
 Person must be tested
 Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope used

5. Hypertension Prevention Tips
 Eat healthy
 Fruits,
vegetables
 Low fat diet
 Maintain weight
 Exercise regularly

6. References
 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institution
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
 American heart Association
www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml