Blood Pressure 101

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Blood Pressure 101

• Taking Control of the Silent Killer

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Blood Pressure Definition

• Force of blood on vein walls
• Pressure units milligrams of mercury (mgHg)
• Defined by two numbers
• Systolic Pressure during beats
• Diastolic Pressure between beats
• Read as systolic over diastolic level
• Example 125 over 74

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Adult Blood Pressure Categories

• Normal
• Systolic lt 120
• Diastolic lt 80
• Prehypertension
• Systolic 120 139
• Diastolic 80 89
• Hypertension
• Systolic gt 140
• Diastolic gt 90

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Detection

• No symptoms
• Person must be tested
• Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope used

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Hypertension Prevention Tips

• Eat Healthy
• Fruits, vegetables
• Low fat diet
• Maintain weight
• Exercise regularly

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References

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• www.nhlbi.nih.gov
• American Heart Association
• www.americanheart.org/prescenter.jhtml