Blood Pressure 101Taking Control of the Silent Killer

Presented By: Diana Jane Gultiano

Blood Pressure Definition

Force 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

Adult Blood Pressure Categories

Normal◦Systolic < 120◦Diastolic < 80

Prehypertension◦Systolic 120 – 139◦Diastolic 80 - 89

Hypertension◦Systolic > 140◦Diastolic > 90

Detection

No symptomsPerson must be tested

◦Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope used

Hypertension Prevention Tips

Eat Healthy◦Fruits, vegetables◦Low fat diet

Maintain weightExercise regularly

References

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute◦www.nhlbi.nih.gov

American Heart Association◦www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml