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The Silent Killer
High Blood Pressure
Did you know...
- It is estimated that as many as 50 million Americans have hypertension,
or high blood pressure as it is more commonly called?
- More than 1/3 don't even know that they have it, and
- Only about 21% are taking adequate steps to keep it under control!
What is High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension is the medical term for what most people call High Blood
Pressure. Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood flowing against
artery walls. A blood pressure reading involves two numbers, which are
separated by a slash mark. The first corresponds to systolic pressure,
which occurs when the heart is actively pumping. The second corresponds
to diastolic pressure, or pressure on the arteries when the heart is at
rest. Normal blood pressure is usually considered 120/80. The National
Heart Lung and Blood Institute has published the following standards for
assessment of high blood pressure:
| Category |
Systolic |
Diastolic |
| Normal |
< 130 |
< 85 |
| High Normal |
130-139 |
85-89 |
| Hypertension |
|
|
|
Stage 1 (Mild)
|
140-159 |
90-99 |
|
Stage 2 (Moderate)
|
160-179 |
100-109 |
|
Stage 3 (Severe)
|
180-209 |
110-119 |
|
Stage 4 (Very Severe)
|
>=210 |
>=120 |
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by your
doctor. High blood pressure can most often be controlled through medication,
exercise, diet, or some combination of these actions.
New Advisory On Systolic
Blood Pressure » |
