Tanya Sklierenko (Markland Wood Pharmacy) for New Pathway, Toronto.
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood pressing against the walls of your blood vessels. Your blood pressure reading is based on two measures: systolic and diastolic. The systolic (top) number is the measure of the force when your heart contracts. The diastolic (bottom) number is the measure of the force when your heart relaxes between beats. Below you can find a general guide to monitoring your blood pressure readings (as recommended by Hypertension Canada) to make sure that your health is kept well:
What should your blood pressure be? Check in the chart below:
- Most people: Less than 140/90 mmHg
- People aged 80 years or more: The systolic (top) number should be less than 150 mmHg
- People with diabetes: Less than 130/80 mmHg
High blood pressure (or hypertension) often develops over the course of many years, and as we age it becomes increasingly common. Individuals with high blood pressure usually do not have any symptoms.
However, even when there are no symptoms, uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. For this reason, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by your healthcare provider and to manage your blood pressure if it is persistently high.
Blood pressure can be managed through a variety of methods including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight (check with your healthcare provider)
- Staying physically active (ideally 30-60 mins over the course of 4-7 days/week)
- Following a healthy eating plan (such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Plan)
- Eating foods with less salt
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Taking prescribed medications as directed by your physician
For more information on how to stay healthy and keep your blood pressure under control, see: http://www.hypertension.ca
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