Handling a Silent Killer: Hypertension
Managing hypertension or high blood pressure can be tough, especially during the holidays and winter months. A change in routine, family visits, traveling, illness, holiday menus, and financial concerns can all stop your best efforts at keeping high blood pressure under control. If you’re one of the millions of American with high blood pressure, it’s vital to keep your blood pressure stable. Drastic changes can put you at risk for heart attack or stroke.
The facts about blood pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure that is placed on the arteries. As the heart pumps blood with oxygen and nutrients out to the body, it creates pressure in the arterial system like a pipeline. Arteries carry this oxygenated blood from the heart to other organs and areas in the body. As blood pressure rises, the heart must work harder to pump blood to the body’s organs. This causes strain and damage to the heart and arteries.
Blood pressure is based on two readings. The top number (systolic reading) measures the pressure as the heart contracts or beats. The bottom number (diastolic reading) is the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats. In general, normal blood pressure is 120/80. However, blood pressure may change with stress or activity. High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed when the top number (systolic blood pressure) is greater than or equal to 140, and the bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) is greater than or equal to 90.
