What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is a way of measuring how much force is being exerted on the walls of your blood vessels (arteries) as blood flows through them.

My Blood Pressure Reading ... Has Two Numbers... What Do They Mean?

Systolic is the pressure exerted as your heart contracts or beats. This is measured as your heart sends a surge of blood through the vessels. A reading of less than 120 mmHg is considered normal.

Diastolic is the pressure exerted as your heart relaxes in between heartbeats in the arteries. A reading of less than 80 mmHg is considered normal.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

A blood pressure of 140/190 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure. Both numbers are important. If one or both numbers are usually high, you have High Blood Pressure.

There Are Two Levels Of High Blood Pressure:

Stage 1: Hypertension
Stage 2: Hypertension

What Can You Do To Beat Hypertension?

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
A very important gauge of your overall health is your blood pressure. Purchase a home blood pressure monitor from your local London Drugs and begin to monitor at home. When it’s time for a medical checkup, share your numbers with your doctor to help maintain or identify treatments.

Take Your Medication Regularly
Schedule regular appointments with your doctor to identify the best treatments to manage your high blood pressure…treatment doesn’t end when you leave the office. Make certain to take your medication as prescribed.

Physical Activity and Diet
An essential key to a healthy lifestyle is regular physical activity that only requires a brisk walk to start your day or a run through the neighborhood. The key is being active! Eating a healthy low-fat diet, fruits and vegetables and lowering sodium will help keep your blood pressure at a heart healthy level.