BLOOD PRESSURE

Blood pressure readings consist of two different numbers, systolic and diastolic The systolic, or top number, measures the amount of force exerted on the artery wall when the heart contracts. The diastolic or bottom number measures pressure in the arteries while the heart relaxes between beats.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Angina : Chest pain or discomfort experienced when the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood; it is often a symptom of coronary artery disease, which can be caused by atherosclerosis.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Arteries : Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Atherosclerosis : Condition in which fat and cholesterol or plaque build up in the artery walls. Damage from hypertension can create scar tissue in the artery walls, providing a place for plaque to collect. These fatty deposits thicken, harden and may block the arteries.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Blood pressure : The force of the blood on the artery wall

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Capillaries : Tiny blood vessels connecting the smallest arteries and veins.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Diastolic : Part of a blood pressure reading that measures the force exerted on the artery walls while the heart relaxes between beats and fills with blood.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Heart attack : When the supply of blood to a section of heart is blocked and causes it to die; coronary artery disease is often the cause.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Hypertension (high blood pressure): When the flow of blood exerts too much force on the artery walls; generally defined as 140/90 mm/Hg or greater.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Plaque : a combination of fat and cholesterol and other substances that can block blood vessels.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Systolic : Part of a blood pressure reading that measures the amount of force exerted on the artery wall when the heart contracts.

Blood Pressure: Learn the Lingo Vein : A blood vessel that carries blood back from the capillaries to the heart.

Blood Pressure Category Systolic mm Hg (upper #) Diastolic mm Hg (lower #) NormalLower than 120andLower than 80 Prehypertension120 – 139or80 – 89 High blood pressure (Hypertension) Stage – 159or90 – 99 Blood pressure readings: Where do you stand?

High Blood pressure (Hypertension) Stage or higheror100 or higher Hypertensive crisis (Emergency care needed) Higher than 180orHigher than 110 Blood pressure readings: Where do you stand?

SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Hypertension is usually asymptomatic (without symptoms). This is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer” because the symptoms are not usually present until the later stages of the problem.

SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Headaches Dizziness Flushing Fatigue Insomnia

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF HIGH BP  High levels of stress  High salt intake  Obesity, esp. from inactivity  High cholesterol (LDL) causing plaque  Heredity – a history in the family