May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month

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High blood pressure is a chronic condition but it can be controlled. Most people experience no symptoms when the blood pressure is high and therefore are unaware of this condition. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can be damaging to your body. If your pressure is high, it means that your heart is working harder and puts you at risk for heart disease, blindness, stroke and kidney failure.

A blood pressure measures the force of blood as it presses against the artey walls and is written as two numbers. The top number is called the systolic reading and represents when your heart pumps. The bottom number is called the dyastolic and measures the force between heartbeats.

Ideal blood pressure is 120/80. It is normal that your readings fluctuate and different actions can influence the numbers such as stress, physical activity, medications, smoking and caffiene. If the number is higher we suggest lifestyle modifications which include weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, healthier eating which includes less salt and less alcohol, and stress reduction. If these measures aren't enough to reach the desired goal, your provider may give you medication and it is not uncommon to need more than one.

We suggest that you know your blood presuure goal as defined by your provider and have your blood pressure checked regularly.