Hypertension: Facts About High Blood Pressure

• Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against the artery walls. It is measured using two numbers: systolic (the number on top) indicates the pressure when the heart contracts, and diastolic indicates the pressure while the heart rests between beats.
• Anything below 120/80 is considered normal. Systolic blood pressure over 140 or diastolic pressure over 90 is considered high, or hypertensive. Anything between those two (120-140 systolic, 80-90 diastolic) is classified as pre-hypertensive, which means that a person is at risk for developing high blood pressure.
• High blood pressure is more prevalent among African Americans.
• Chronic high blood pressure increases the risk of kidney failure, heart disease, blindness and strokes.  In fact, it is the number one factor in causing strokes.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) is good, unless you experience symptoms such as lightheadedness, weakness, dizziness, or fainting.  If you have those symptoms, see your doctor.

Sources:

http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm

http://www.bloodpressureanswersonline.com/index.html

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