Blood Pressure Fact Sheet

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What do those numbers mean?

A blood pressure is always given as two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Both numbers are important. The systolic measurement is the top reading and it is the pressure of heart while beating (contracting). The diastolic measurement is the bottom number and it is the pressure of heart when it is resting between beats. A blood pressure reading between 90/60 and 120/80 is considered normal. A blood pressure reading below 90/60 is considered low. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher is considered high.

Blood pressure basics

A blood pressure is the measurement of the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood.

What is high blood pressure?

When you have high blood pressure, or hypertension, the force of blood against your artery walls is too strong. High blood pressure can damage your arteries, heart, and kidneys if it is not treated. With high blood pressure, the heart works harder, your arteries take a beating, and your chances of a stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems are greater.

What is low blood pressure?

If your blood pressure is less than 90/60, you have low blood pressure, often called hypotension. In healthy people, low blood pressure is a sign of good heart and blood vessel health. Sometimes, low blood pressure can be a signal of an underlying problem - especially in the elderly. Chronic low blood pressure is almost never serious. Low blood pressure can be caused by pregnancy, diabetes, or over-the-counter medications.

High blood pressure in women

Women must be particularly sensitive to high blood pressure. Conditions that can increase blood pressure in women include:

• Pregnancy
  Women with pre-existing, or chronic, high blood pressure are more likely to have certain complications during pregnancy than women with normal blood pressure. Some women develop high blood pressure while they are pregnant (often called gestational hypertension).
• Oral Contraceptives
  Women taking oral contraceptives experience a small but detectable increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, usually in the normal range. Talk to your doctor about a possible rise in blood pressure and what you can do about it. Women age 35 and older who smoke cigarettes and take oral contraceptives are at even greater risk for heart disease and stroke and are encouraged to quit smoking.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
  Few women may experience a rise in blood pressure if they are undergoing hormone therapy. Women treated with hormone replacement therapy should have their blood pressure frequently monitored.

Blood pressure quick facts

Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure. Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. But, it can be treated and controlled. High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms.

Lifestyles

Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure:

• Be sure to maintain a normal weight.
• Reduce sodium intake to about 1 teaspoon of salt a day.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Be sure to get 3,500 mg of potassium in your diet every day.
• Maintain a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, with reduced amounts of saturated and total fats.

Diagnosing high blood pressure

Your doctor will check your blood pressure several times on different days before diagnosing you with high blood pressure. Blood pressure is checked with a quick, painless test using a stethoscope or electronic sensor, and a blood pressure cuff. Best blood pressure readings are taken when you are relaxed.

Other tips to follow for accurate blood pressure readings are:

• Do not drink coffee or smoke cigarettes 30 minutes before having your blood pressure taken.
• Wear short sleeves.
• Go to the bathroom before the reading. Having a full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
• Sit for 5 minutes before the test.

Resources:
UK HealthCare
Find out more about blood pressure or connect with a physician that can work with you to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Gill Heart Institute
859-257-1000 or 1-800-333-8874

American Heart Association
Offers news, educational materials and resources for treatments and diagnosis of blood pressure.
1-800-242-8721
www.americanheart.org

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
As part of the National Health Institute, this service offers educational materials about high blood pressure.
301-592-8573
www.nhlbi.nih.gov

To make an appointment or find a physician, please call UK HealthCare at (859) 257-1000 or toll free (800) 333-8874.
Copyright © 2007, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St., Lexington, Kentucky, USA 40536.

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Page last updated Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:42 AM