HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Definition:
What is high blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the blood pumps blood. If this pressure rises and remains high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. For the average American adult, normal blood pressure is defined as 120/79. Anything above that is considered high. The medical community refers to high blood pressure as hypertension (HTN). The following chart defines blood pressure ranges:
Here's a look at the four blood pressure categories and what they mean for you. If your readings fall into two different categories, your correct blood pressure category is the higher category. For example, if your blood pressure reading is 125/95 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), you have stage 1 hypertension.
| Top number (systolic) in mm Hg | Bottom number (diastolic) in mm Hg | Your category* | What to do** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Below 120 | and | Below 80 | Normal blood pressure | Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. |
| 120-139 | or | 80-89 | Prehypertension | Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. |
| 140-159 | or | 90-99 | Stage 1 hypertension | Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. If blood pressure goal isn't reached in about six months, talk to your doctor about taking one or more medications. |
| 160 or more | or | 100 or more | Stage 2 hypertension | Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about taking more than one medication. |
*Ranges may be lower for children and teenagers. Talk to your child's doctor if you're concerned your child has high blood pressure.
**Note: These recommendations address high blood pressure as a single health condition. If you also have heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or certain other conditions, you'll need to treat your blood pressure more aggressively.
If your blood pressure is normal, maintaining or adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent or delay the onset of high blood pressure or other health problems. If your blood pressure isn't normal, a healthy lifestyle — oftentimes along with medication — can help bring it under control and reduce your risk of life-threatening complications.
The above chart was copied from the Mayo Clinic website.
The message that should be brought away from the preceding information is this: High blood pressure is known as "the silent killer". Obtain your blood pressure readings at least twice a year. You can go to most pharmacies across America and utilize their blood pressure machine without cost. There is even one in most Wal-Marts. If your reading is high, check with your doctor.
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