May 3, 2012
It’s Blood Pressure Awareness Month
More than 1 out of 10 Americans have high blood pressure and many do not know it. Early detection of this silent disease is important because it can be treated effectively. The blood pressure reading has two numbers. The higher one is the systolic pressure and the lower is diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is considered to be high if the higher number exceeds 140 or the lower number exceeds 90. “Normal” is considered 120 over 80.
You can limit your risk of having high blood pressure by controlling your weight, your exercise, your salt intake and, if appropriate, taking your prescribed medicines.
