Pump up your heart health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 120 million people have high blood pressure or are taking high blood pressure medication.

The American Heart Association (AHA) describes blood pressure as the force of blood against our artery walls as it runs through our bodies. Our hearts push blood into vessels with every beat.

Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg, and include two numbers:

• Systolic pressure, the top number, is the pressure against the artery walls as the heart beats. This number is recorded first.
• Diastolic pressure, the bottom number, is the pressure against the artery walls between heartbeats. This is when the heart rests.

A doctor diagnoses high blood pressure, or hypertension, when readings are regularly too high. A healthy reading for adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Ranges vary for children. High blood pressure can also affect pregnancies, resulting in conditions such as preeclampsia and early delivery.

Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, integrating healthy lifestyle changes is important. Poor management can lead to additional health concerns, such as a heart attack, vision loss and stroke.

The AHA recommends these tips:

• A diet with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, skinless poultry and fish, fat-free or low-fat dairy products and nuts.
• Lower salt intake.
• Be physically active.
• If you smoke, stop smoking.
• Take prescribed medications.

Categories

High blood pressure doesn’t always have warning symptoms. The AHA groups blood pressure readings into five categories.

Work with your doctor to know your numbers and learn about prevention or treatment. While one high reading isn’t always a sign of concern, call 911 if readings are over 180/120 mm Hg and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, vision changes, dizziness or vomiting.

Learn more about managing blood pressure