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Skip Navigation LinksWVDHHR > Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease > Focus Areas > High Blood Pressure

Know Your Numbers

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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:

normal bp.jpgTwo 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. 

high bp diagram.jpgA 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

 
Blood Pressure Guidelines
What can you do?
Know the ABCS of Heart Health
Control your blood pressure
Eat better with DASH Diet
Healthy Recipes
Reduce Your Salt (Sodium)
Find a health care provider
Health Promotion and Chronic Disease
350 Capitol Street, Room 514  Charleston, WV 25301-3715
Ph: (304) 352-6012  Fx: (304) 558-1553
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