High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. High blood pressure is when the blood pressure in your arteries is elevated and your heart has to work harder than normal to pump blood through the blood vessels. It is important that you have your blood pressure checked regularly by your healthcare provider. Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure or force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels. Your blood pressure reading is based on two measures called systolic and diastolic. The systolic number is the measure of the pressure force when your heart contracts and pushes out the blood. The diastolic number is the measure of when your heart relaxes between beats. The table below defines varying blood pressure categories: low risk, medium risk, high risk. See your doctor or healthcare provider to get a proper blood pressure measurement.
Make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare provider to check your blood pressure. It is recommended that you get your blood pressure checked at least once every year by a healthcare provider. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend that you get it checked more often. Be sure to ask your doctor how often you should have your blood pressure checked.
nov 18 2017 +