When it comes to Blood Pressure the old saying is true, less is more. We want to bring attention to the overwhelming spread of high blood pressure. This all too common disease is known as “The Silent Killer” due to not showing any symptoms. Unfortunately, many adults find themselves becoming aware of their high blood pressure from the result of a heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage. It’s time to take action to improve long-term health. Blood pressure needs to be checked and controlled on a regular basis.
In America, one in three adults are considered to have high blood pressure. So what is this common disease? The medical term is hypertension. This means that there is too much pressure on the walls of the blood vessels and is causing pressure on a consistent basis. In simple terms, your heart is working too hard.
Your blood pressure results will consist of two numbers, the systolic and diastolic. They are both measured in millimeters of mercury. The systolic number (top number) measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. When your heart beats it contracts and pushes blood through your arteries to the rest of the body, creating pressure. The second number is the Diastolic number (bottom number). This measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure reading would be less that 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. Please see the below chart for more detail on what specific blood pressure readings can mean.
The good news is this is one problem that is mostly in our control. There are multiple ways to lower your blood pressure. Here are just a few.
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Quit Smoking
- Participate in 30 minutes of physical activity every day
- Maintain a healthy diet, reduce sodium intake
In some situations, doctors may even prescribe blood pressure medication. Please consult with your doctor if you feel that you are at risk for high blood pressure. It is extremely important that you maintain a steady blood pressure reading and that you check it regularly.
At Total Care Connections, we want to make your life easier. Simple tasks like this can be overwhelming, but caregiving services can relieve that stress.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiving services in the home, please contact out caring staff at Total Care Connections (520) 546-1554. We provide quality Home Care & Assisted Living Placement serving Tucson, Green Valley, Oro Valley, and surrounding areas!
