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Blood Pressure and Hypertension

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WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels in your body. Blood pressures may vary, but 120/80 is the normal adult blood pressure.

WHAT IS HYPERTENSION?
When your blood pressure is too high, it means your heart is working harder than normal. This can damage your heart and many different cells in your body.

• High blood pressure is called hypertension
• A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher is considered hypertension

WHO GETS HYPERTENSION?
One in every four adults has hypertension. You are at greater risk if you:

• Smoke
• Drink alcohol
• Are overweight
• Are over the age of 65
• Have diabetes
• Do not exercise regularly
• Have family members with hypertension
• Eat foods with a lot of salt
• Have a lot of stress

HYPERTENSION CAN CAUSE

• Heart disease (heart attack, heart failure)
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Blindness

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT HYPERTENSION & LOWER MY BLOOD PRESSURE?

• Stop smoking
• Do not drink alcohol
• Decrease SALT in your diet
• Avoid or decrease canned soups and products
• Avoid or decrease fast food (French fries, hamburgers)
• Avoid or decrease processed and packaged foods (lunch meats, cheese)
• Avoid or decrease soft drinks
• Exercise 3-5 times each week (for 30 minutes)
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Reduce stress
• Relax, slow down, do something you enjoy
• Visit the doctor or clinic regularly to have your blood pressure checked