Blood Pressure

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What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is defined as the force of the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries. Most of this pressure comes from the heart pumping the blood throughout the body's circulatory system (body system that carries blood toward and away from the heart). There are two types of numbers that measure blood pressure: systolic (or how much pressure is exerted when the heart is pumping) and diastolic (meaning how much pressure is exerted when the heart is resting).

 

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of pressure exerted by the blood flow is too high and consistently too high. Almost half of American adults - that being 47% or 1 out of 6 adults - are unaware they have high blood pressure! Though it can be prevented, certain traits and lifestyle habits increase your risk of contracting this condition. Heart attack, stroke, and other medical complications may occur as a result if it is left untreated.

 

Know Your Numbers!

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure tested. Getting it checked often and understanding your results are the keys to controlling it. See the graph below to learn the different categories of healthy to unhealthy levels of blood pressure!

 

Most of the time, high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms to indicate that something is wrong. The best ways to protect yourself are being aware of the risks and making changes that matter! Normal blood pressure is measured at 120/80 millimeters of mercury or less.

 

Quick Facts

• The signs and symptoms are unnoticeable, hence why it is nicknamed "the silent killer".

• Because high blood pressure develops slowly over time, the causes often vary.

• Once you are diagnosed with hypertension, it cannot be cured. But, healthy lifestyle changes and medication (prescribed by a licensed physician) manages it effectively.

 

Visit the WKU Hilltopper Nutrition website to learn more about healthy eating and other services they offer!

 

 

For more information on blood pressure visit:

American Heart Association - High Blood Pressure

American Heart Association - Main Website

Heart Foundation - Keep Your Heart Healthy

Rasmussen University - Healthy Heart Tips

CDC - High Blood Pressure