May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, which is all about – you guessed it – watching your blood pressure.  You likely already know that keeping your blood pressure in check can drastically reduce your risk of heart disease … but do you know what blood pressure actually measures, what’s so bad about high blood pressure, and how to “fix” high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls. The higher your blood pressure, the harder your blood strains on your arteries, and the harder your heart works to pump blood throughout your body. High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can contribute to atherosclerosis – a hardening of the arteries – and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Your blood pressure is usually measured by a tightening cuff called a sphygmomanometer.  Blood pressure is usually presented in two numbers, like so:  116/80 mmHg.  mmHG stands for millimeters of mercury.

The first number is your systolic pressure – the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is your diastolic pressure – the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats. When reading blood pressure, it’s read as “[systolic] over [diastolic]” mmHg. So the example above would read “116 over 80.”

If you’re a healthy individual, your blood pressure should be somewhere around 120/80 mmHg. However, if you’re inactive and don’t eat healthy, your otherwise-normal blood pressure can easily climb above 120/80 … and if you hit 140/90 mmHg, you’re clinically diagnosed with hypertension.

Don’t freak out if you’ve taken your blood pressure once and it came out a bit high. Many factors can affect your reading, including lack of sleep, stress, and even posture.  If you get a high reading, go see your medical professional, and they’ll take a series of readings over a longer period of time.  If you’re still running a bit too high, then it’s time to take action!

Your doctor will likely prescribe you some medication – and don’t even think about skipping it! Swallow your pride along with your pills – it’ll do your body good in the long run.   In fact, you may be a picture-perfect example of good health habits and STILL suffer from high blood pressure … unfortunately it’s hereditary for some.

Your doctor will also tell you to make some lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and regular exercise and quitting smoking, if applicable. High blood pressure may be unfortunate, but education and awareness is the first step toward improving it and your health in the long-run.

For more information, please contact Kim Miles, County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Sciences at 325-646-0386.