A blood pressure measurement is always expressed in two numbers. The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart is beating, and the lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

1. HYPERTENSION

2. Blood Pressure What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the amount of force the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it flows through them. How is blood pressure measured? A blood pressure measurement is always expressed in two numbers. The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart is beating, and the lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. The systolic number is always stated first and the diastolic second. For example, 122/76 (122 over 76) (systolic = 122, diastolic = 76). When take your blood pressure, you’ll write down the systolic and diastolic numbers. The numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury, and, for example, often will be noted as 122/76 Hg.

3. Blood Pressure When is blood pressure normal or high? Blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg is considered a normal blood pressure reading for adults, although a diastolic pressure of 85 to 89 mm Hg warrants further observation. A blood pressure reading equal or greater than 140/90 mm Hg is considered elevated or high. A single elevated blood pressure reading doesn’t mean you have high blood pressure, but it’s a sign that further observation is required. Continue to check your blood pressure daily, or ask your medical provider how often you should check it. After several measurements, if the diastolic blood pressure remains at 105 to 114 mm Hg, you should mention this to your doctor or other medical care provider within two weeks. If the diastolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 115 mg Hg, get to a doctor or other source of health care as soon as possible. If you know you have high blood pressure, you should follow your prescribed treatment program and report your blood pressure readings to your medical care provider at regularly scheduled visits. Where do you get more information? The best place to get information about blood pressure and what it means to you is from your doctor or other medical care provider. You can also get advice about blood pressure from voluntary health agencies, employee health agencies, employee health programs, and public health departments.

7. Blood Pressure When you start working toward your blood pressure goal, you might be surprised to find it easier and less complicated than you thought it would be. A good way to see progress toward your goal is to keep your own record of your blood pressure measurements. After each doctor’s visit, write down your measurement on a chart and see how much closer your are getting to your goal. Remember: High blood pressure cannot be cured. You must control it for the rest of your life. Once you have reached your goal and your blood pressure is controlled, you must continue to follow your prescribed treatment. If you stop treatment, your blood pressure might rise again and increase your chances of stroke, heart disease, and kidney damage. See your doctor for regular checkups, and continue to follow his or her advice. Meet the challenge of high blood pressure control. staiyng in control

13. TIPS FOR CONTROLLING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Cut Back on Salt Salt can affect your blood pressure. That’s why your doctor or nurse might ask you to use less salt. Ask them for ideas on how to cut back. Here are some ways you can start: Use less salt during cooking and at the table. Use herbs, spices and lemon juice instead of salt to flavor food. Buy few salty (high-sodium) foods, such as chips, canned soups, hotdogs, salt pork, luncheon, meats, sausage, ketchup and pickles. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Get Your Family To Help Your family needs you and wants you to be healthy and active. Be sure to tell family members about your high blood pressure so they can help you to follow your doctor’s advice. Here are some ways your family can help: Remind you to take your pills. Help you to lose weight and stay active. Serve fewer salty foods at home. You can help your family, too. Ask each family member to get his or her blood pressed checked.

14. Blood Pressure Facts about Sodium Salt-Sodium – What’s the Difference? Sodium is a component of salt. Salt is made up of both sodium and chloride. It is an essential mineral, which the body needs every day. Most people obtain far more than the body need for the foods eaten each day. Salt used in the diet and that added to processed foods contributes major source With a Sodium Restriction? A sodium-restricted diet is usually prescribed in conditions where excess fluid is retained or to prevent excess fluid build up. Sodium tents to hold water in the body instead of allowing it to be excreted normally. When excess fluid is retained, it places an extra burden on the body organs.