May is National Blood Pressure Awareness Month:
Hypertension or high blood pressure is sometimes called "the silent killer" because it often does not cause symptoms. It affects women and men equally, and all adults should have their blood pressure checked regularly. If untreated, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels without your knowing it. In fact, for some people, the first obvious symptom is a heart attack or stroke.
High blood pressure can be dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and can damage your body's blood vessels. Read more about why you must monitor your blood pressure.
Do you have high blood pressure?
Your blood pressure consists of two numbers. The top number, called the systolic pressure, reflects the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is contracting. The bottom number, called the diastolic pressure, reflects the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is relaxed.
Level |
Systolic |
Diastolic |
High |
140 or above |
90 or above |
Prehypertension |
120 to 139 |
80 to 89 |
Normal |
119 or below |
79 or below |
Blood pressure normally varies. Studies show that changes can range as much as 10-20 points within a few minutes. The average of repeated measurements over a period of time is the best indication of your blood pressure.
Read more on high blood pressure
Here are more facts on high blood pressure from the Center for Disease Control.
Ten ways to Control your Blood Pressure
The American Heart Association recommends the following 10 ways to control your blood pressure starting today!
- Know your blood pressure.
- Know what your weight should be. Keep it at or below that level.
- Don't use too much salt in cooking or at meals. Avoid salty meals.
- Eat a diet low in saturated fat according to American Heart Association.
- Control alcohol intake.
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed.
- Keep appointments with doctors.
- Follow your doctor's advice about physical activity.
- Make certain your parents; brothers, sisters and children have their high blood pressure checked regularly.
- Live a normal life in every other way.
For more information on hypertension, contact a LifeSteps Health coach 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Call 1-877-LIFE 123. A health coach can provide tips and suggestions for managing your condition and recommend questions to ask your doctor.