High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. High blood pressure is when the blood pressure in your arteries is elevated and your heart has to work harder than normal to pump blood through the blood vessels. It is important that you have your blood pressure checked regularly by your healthcare provider. Read on to learn about blood pressure and how it can be managed.
What is
blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure or force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels (known as arteries). Your blood pressure reading is based on two measures called systolic and diastolic. The systolic (top) number is the measure of the pressure force when your heart contracts and pushes out the blood. The diastolic (bottom) number is the measure of when your heart relaxes between beats.
The table below defines varying blood pressure categories: normal, normal-high, and high. See your doctor or healthcare provider to get a proper blood pressure measurement.
BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORIES
If you have diabetes, as well as high blood pressure, you should consult a healthcare provider if your blood pressure level remains greater than 130/80 on more than one occasion.
If your blood pressure level is lower than 120/80 it may be considered normal unless you feel light-headed or dizzy. In this case, your healthcare provider can help you determine if you have low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is when the pressure in your arteries drops and your heart is pumping your blood at a slower rate than normal through your blood vessels.
How do I check my blood pressure?
Make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare provider to check your blood pressure. It is recommended that you get your blood pressure checked at least once every year. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (or other related conditions), your doctor may recommend that you get it checked more often. Be sure to ask your doctor how often you should have your blood pressure checked.
What should I do if I have a high blood pressure reading?
If you have one high reading, you should have it checked at least two more times on separate days to determine if it is consistently high.
Keep a record of your blood pressure readings on a blood pressure tracking card. This record will help you and your doctor determine whether your blood pressure is within a healthy range.
Source:
Nadeem
Zia, B.Pharm, RPh.
OpenDoor
Team, www.OpenDoor.cc
Consulting
Pharmacist, Vancouver, BC Canada
Google+ :
google.com/+NadeemZiaRPh
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Written by Unknown
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