Feb. 10 – Blood Pressure Importance

In recognition of National Heart Month an official will discuss the importance of blood pressure. The questions that officials will be prepared to answer are as following:

1. What do the numbers mean when I get my blood pressure checked? Systolic= measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats or contracts Diastolic= measure the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats ( when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood)

2. What is an acceptable blood pressure reading? 120/80

3. What can happen if my blood pressure remains 140/90 or greater? (i.e. heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease)

4. What can I do to treat or prevent high blood pressure? See your doctor, get b/p check, take your medication, reduce sodium

5. Here are some myths:
a. ” I feel find, I do not have to worry about high blood pressure” false – 78 million US adult have high blood pressure and many don’t know or have symptoms
b. “High blood pressure runs in my family so there is nothing I can do” false – Lots you can do: reduce sodium, regular exercise, healthy weight, manage stress, stop smoking, take your medications as prescribed, limit alcohol
c. “My doctor checks my blood pressure so I do not have too” false – routine checks at the same time each day