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By Jacquelyn Lofaro

You’ve all heard of it, you all have it, but what is it and how does it affect you?

Blood Pressure (BP) is the force of blood against your artery walls when your heart pumps blood. BP is measured by two numbers. The systolic number, known as the “top” number, is the force in your arteries when your heart actually beats. The diastolic number, known as the “bottom” number, is the force in your arteries when your heart is relaxed, or in between beats. BP is measured in mmHG, or millimeters of mercury. Normal, or ideal, BP is considered 120/80mmHG or less. Please see the chart below for all BP categories. The ranges in the table apply to most adults over 18 years of age who are not suffering from any short-term serious illnesses.

Keep in mind, high BP is not diagnosed with just one high reading, but with repeated readings over time.

High Blood Pressure 

It may surprise you that 1 in 3 Americans has high BP. High BP usually has no symptoms, so people can live with it for years and not realize they have it. Even though there are no symptoms, it doesn’t mean high BP isn’t doing damage to the body. In fact, high BP can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body over time. It can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems.

What Should You Do? 

First, know your numbers. You don’t have to wait until you visit a doctor to get your BP checked. If your grocery store has an automated machine, check your BP when you go grocery shopping. Consider purchasing an automated BP machine for your home and use it regularly. If your fitness center staff members are qualified, have them check it before you work out. Checking your BP regularly is the only way to know your numbers. If you have consistent abnormal BP readings, you should see a doctor to discuss options for treatment.

Things to Keep in Mind 

Your BP fluctuates all the time and many factors can increase it, some under your control and some not.

Controllable Risk Factors include:

• Eating too much sodium (daily recommendation is 2,300mg; 1,500mg if you’re over 50, African American, have high BP, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.)
• Lack of physical activity
• Drinking too much alcohol (daily limit is one drink for women and two for men)
• Smoking
• Not getting enough potassium in your diet (Recommended Daily Allowance [RDA] is 4,700mg for adults)
• Using birth control pills
• Long-term stress
• Being overweight
• Caffeine intake (increases BP in the short-term)