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WHAT IS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls.
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) can lead to
stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and even blindness.
Systolic pressure (the pressure during each heartbeat) is the
larger number, and is always stated first. Diastolic pressure
(the pressure between heartbeats) is the lower number.
For adults:
Are you at risk?
High blood pressure is most common in adults over 35. It is
especially prevalent in African American, and people who are
middle aged or elderly, obese, or who consume a lot of alcohol.
Women who are pregnant, postmenopausal or taking birth control
pills are also at increased risk. One high blood pressure
reading may not indicate risk. Hypertension is considered when a
patient has three consecutive high blood pressure readings taken
at the same time and same conditions.
Hypertension sometimes runs in families. Regular visits to your
doctor will establish your health history and make it easier to
determine if you will develop a problem in the future.
You can do something about it
There is no cure for high blood pressure, but it can be
controlled. Work together with your medical team to develop a
plan to control our blood pressure. Here’s how you can take an
active role:
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Know your blood pressure range
and get it checked regularly.
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Lose weight if you need to.
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Get regular exercise.
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Eat a healthful diet and avoid
drinking too much alcohol.
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Quit smoking.
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Learn to manage your stress.
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