Blood Pressure

Everyone's heart beats a certain number of beats per minute (bpm); the heart is basically pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is a measure of this force. When the heart contracts, there is a surge of pressure in arteries; this surge period is called systolic . This is the “top” or first number in a blood pressure reading. After the systolic period, your heart rests briefly and expands in preparation for another beat. This expansion period is called diastolic (the “bottom” or the second number in a blood pressure reading). "120 over 80" means you have a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80.

Blood pressure can be known as the “silent killer” if not checked regularly by a nurse or doctor because you cannot “feel” if it is high when you're in a non-stressed state.  High blood pressure (due to a variety of factors such as genetics, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, high stress on a daily basis) can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart disease, or kidney disease. Low blood pressure, on the other hand, can cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first stand up.

When having your blood pressure checked, make sure you are sitting with your legs uncrossed for at least 3-5 minutes. You can even do some deep breathing to relax; this will help prevent you from getting a high or abnormally high reading. Click on the following links for more information:

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