Do you know what your blood pressure numbers are and what the numbers mean?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. The top number or the systolic number measures pressure on the arteries when the heart beats. The second number or diastolic number measures pressure on the arteries when the heart is resting and refilling with blood.
A normal reading of blood pressure is under 120/80.
High blood pressure or hypertension causes excess pressure on the artery walls as the heart beats and relaxes. This damage can lead to narrowing of the arteries causing more pressure on your body.
High blood pressure or hypertension is blood pressure higher than 140/90.
Hypertension affects 1 out of every 3 American adults. It is sometimes referred to as the silent killer.
Know what your numbers are. Take your blood pressure on a regular basis. Since it can fluctuate, several reading will give you a more accurate picture of what is going on with your health.
If your physician diagnoses you with hypertension or pre-hypertension, there are some things you can do to improve your health.
* Eat a healthy diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds and nuts. Reduce your intake of sodium and processed foods.
* Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, set a small goal to lose 10% of your body weight. A small change in your weight can make a big difference.
* Enjoy physical activity every day. Walking is an excellent option for managing heart health.
* Manage your stress.
* Limit alcohol.
* Quit smoking.
* If you are prescribed medication, take it! If you feel better, it could be the medication is working. Call your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
Be wise and be well! This is Sheila Harrell with the Church Health Center.
If you have a question for Life Matters, send it to health@wkno.org.