 Force of blood on vein walls  Pressure units: milligrams of mercury (mgHg)  Defined by two numbers  Systolic: Pressure during beats  Diastolic: Pressure between beats  Read as the systolic over diastolic level  Example: 125 over 74

 Normal  Systolic < 120  Diastolic < 80  Prehypertension  Systolic < 120 – 139  Diastolic < 80 – 89  Hypertension  Systolic > 140  Diastolic > 90

 No Symptoms  Person must be tested  Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope used

 Eat Healthy  Fruits, vegetables  Low fat diet  Maintain weight  Exercise regularly + = Healthy!!

 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute  American Heart Association