Health Information on Blood Pressure Numbers

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Health Information on Blood Pressure Numbers

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Reviewing Blood Pressure Numbers

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts; diastolic pressure occurs when the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Hypertension is the diagnosis given when readings consistently rise above normal.

The standards in this table are for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age) and have been established by the National Institutes of Health JNCVI.

Category Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Optimal <120 <80
Normal <130 <85
High Normal 130 - 139 85 - 89
Hypertension
Stage 1 140 - 159 90 - 99
Stage 2 160 - 179 100 - 109
Stage 3 > 180 > 110

Home Management
The good news, experts say, is you can take control of your life where your blood pressure is concerned. There are several lifestyle check points to keep in mind: not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, limiting salt intake, and minimizing your alcohol consumption. Keeping the stress down in your life will work wonders in keeping your blood pressure under control. Relaxation exercises, meditation, and stress management tapes play a helpful role in anyone's life.
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