What is Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Your body needs oxygen-rich blood to function properly.
What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when your blood pressure is consistently too high. It is usually a 'silent' condition with few obvious symptoms. High blood pressure can increase the workload of the heart and blood vessels. This makes them work harder and less efficiently which can lead to health issues, including heart attack and stroke.
Know Your Numbers
Blood pressure is written as a fraction, systolic on top and diastolic on bottom. Keep track of yours using this tracking tool.
- Systolic blood pressure - The top number represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure - The bottom number represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart rests between beats.
If your blood pressure is in the hypertensive crisis stage, DO NOT WAIT, contact your health care provider immediately!
Blood Pressure Management Technique
The proper blood pressure management technique is demonstrated in the video. The video is available in ASL and Spanish. Scripts available in English and Spanish.