Blood Pressure Screening; Do You Know Your Numbers?

Aug 21, 2013 | Uncategorized

 

 

Over 50 enthusiastic residents at Washington Manor participated in the Walgreen's Health and Wellness Series.

Over 50 enthusiastic residents at Washington Manor participated in the Walgreen’s Health and Wellness Series.

What is blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries each time your heart beats. High blood pressure, also referred to as Hypertension, is dangerous because it puts undue stress on the heart by requiring it to work much harder to pump blood through your body. It can also lead to hardening of arteries and heart failure.

A blood pressure reading will measure two indicators; systolic and diastolic pressure. Your systolic pressure is measured as your heart contracts, pumping the blood through your arteries. Your diastolic pressure is measured between beats, when your heart is at rest.

Systolic Diastolic
Normal 120 or less 79 or less
Prehypertension 120-139 80-89
Hypertension (Stage 1) 140-159 90-99
Hypertension (Stage 2) 160 or higher 100 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis Higher than 180 Higher than 100

 

Why You Should Know Your Numbers
While the effects of high blood pressure, coronary disease and stroke, should be enough to get you in for your next blood pressure screening, the greatest motivating factor is that high blood pressure has no symptoms and can’t be detected unless it is measured. Another reason to get screened soon and regularly is that high blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes.

Factors such as age, diet and smoking contribute to high blood pressure. Women over the age of 65 and African-Americans of all ages are at a higher risk than most people. You should take these factors into consideration in deciding when and how often to be screened for high blood pressure.

Reduce Your Risk with Produce
Enjoying produce as a part of your diet can help reduce your risk of high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, magnesium and fiber, which recent studies have shown to help reduce blood pressure. To naturally increase your consumption of potassium, magnesium and fiber enjoy fruits like apples, bananas, peaches, grapes, grapefruit, mangos, and Strawberries; and vegetables like broccoli, carrots, green beans, squash, and tomatoes.

As part of the Senior Outreach Health and Wellness Series Part 2, local seniors will get help monitoring and reducing their blood pressure. Over 300 seniors will receive complimentary fruits and vegetables donated by Walgreen’s through Gregory’s Fresh Market. A Walgreen’s team of trained pharmacists will also be on hand at each location to provide blood pressure screenings, and answer prescription related questions.

 

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