Know Your Numbers
Blood pressure is the force of blood as it presses against the walls of the arteries, like the pressure of water in a garden hose.
How to read your numbers:
 Two numbers are used to describe blood pressure.
The top number is called “systolic blood pressure” (120) and measures blood pressure when the heart pumps.
The bottom number is called “diastolic blood pressure” (80) and measures blood pressure when the heart rests between beats. |
 A person has high blood pressure, or hypertension, when their blood pressure readings remain elevated over time.
High blood pressure:
140 or more on the top, over time
90 or more on the bottom, over time |
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Blood Pressure Guidelines
What can you do?