Blood Pressure A Bad Day can cause your blood pressure to rise

Blood Pressure What Is High Blood Pressure (Or Hypertension) And Why Is It Dangerous? Blood pressure is the force your blood exerts on your arteries as it flows through your body. If you have high blood pressure it means that your blood is exerting too much force on your arteries and is making your heart's job--pumping blood-- more difficult than it should be.

Your Systolic blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure your blood exerts on your arteries when your heart beats, while your Diastolic blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure your blood exerts on your arteries when your heart is at rest.

What influences blood pressure Genetics Age Sex Altitude Physical activity Anxiety / Stress Muscular development Certain medications Time of day Sleep Relaxation Eating / Drinking Smoking Atmospheric pressure

High point = Systolic Infants to age 30 average # is 120 Over 40 years average # is 140 Low point = Diastolic Infants to age 30 years average # is 80 Over 40 years average # is 85 Check blood pressure often and record the readings Generally men have higher blood pressure Blood pressure is lowest during your sleep cycle

Measuring Blood Pressure

According to the American Heart Association, about 65 Million Americans over the age of 20 have high blood pressure. That's about one in three adults. In 2003 more than 52,000 Americans died from complications related to high blood pressure. Between 1993 and 2004 the rate of death from high blood pressure rose nearly 30 percent.

systolic (heart contraction) blood pressure is far more important than the diastolic (relaxation) blood pressure in estimating your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Diastolic blood pressure is a weaker predictor of your susceptibility for a heart attack. Your risk is increased further if you have high blood cholesterol or sugar levels; an enlarged heart; or if you are overweight. Over time, high blood pressure can cause serious damage to your cardiovascular system, kidneys and other organs.

Things to be aware of when testing Blood Pressure 30 min prior to BP reading - Avoid smoking,eating, taking medication, alcohol consumption or physical activity If stressed take later Remove anything that interferes with cuff Feet flat on floor Cuff 1” above elbow Tubing extends towards hand Cuff should be snug on left arm Cuff height should be same level as heart Relax