High blood pressure is often called “the silent killer.” It usually has no visible signs or symptoms, yet it can quietly affect your body’s ability to properly pump blood to important organs such as the brain, liver and kidneys.
Because there are often no signs or symptoms of this silent killer, it is important to keep track of your blood pressure numbers. Your doctor will always take your blood pressure when you visit. Write the number down and keep track of your progress over time.
Here are some basic facts, provided by Rite Aid Pharmacy:
What are “normal” numbers? Blood pressure can go up when you are excited or nervous, and go down when you are sleeping, but normal blood pressure is 120/80.
What do the numbers mean? The top number is your systolic pressure: This measures the pressure when your heart is pumping. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure: This measures the pressure when your heart is filling with blood.
What if my numbers are higher than 120/80? Pre-hypertension is when the numbers fall between 120-139/80-89. If one or both of your numbers stay at or above 140/90 consistently, you probably have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. Your doctor can tell you the specific number range that is safe for you.
How do you lower your numbers? Ways to decrease blood pressure naturally are to lose extra weight, quit smoking, exercise, and manage your diabetes. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure. It is important to always take your medication as instructed and only take medication that was prescribed specifically to you.
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