What's in a Number?
A condition where the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries with an often higher-than-normal force.
What is blood pressure?
This non-modifiable factor increases your risk of hypertension as you get older — especially after age 45 for men and 55 for women.
What is age?
Avoid these three activities for at least 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
What are caffeine, exercise, and smoking?
High blood pressure is often called this because most people have no noticeable symptoms.
What is a "silent condition" or "silent killer"?
Do this regularly to keep arteries and organs healthy.
What are regular check-ups and proper management?
The top number indicates when the heart contracts.
What is systolic pressure?
If your parents or siblings have high blood pressure, this increases your risk.
What is family history?
The number of readings you should take when measuring at home, separated by one minute.
What are two readings?
A person with severe hypertension might experience pain at the back of their head, especially in the morning.
What is a headache?
Eat these foods: fish, poultry, beans, and nuts.
What are lean proteins?
The bottom number indicates when the heart is relaxing.
What is diastolic pressure?
Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, are more prone to developing high blood pressure due to this factor.
What is genetics or ethnicity?
A rule for cuff placement to ensure the most accurate measurement.
What is placing the cuff on bare skin?
This symptom can make a person feel unsteady or faint when blood pressure spikes.
What is dizziness or lightheadedness?
The only reliable way to detect hypertension early.
What are regular blood pressure checks?
A systolic pressure of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mmHg.
What is a normal blood pressure reading?
Men are generally at higher risk earlier in life, while women’s risk increases after menopause.
What is gender?
You must rest your arm on a flat surface at this specific body level.
What is chest level?
This visual symptom may occur when high blood pressure affects the eyes.
What is blurred vision or vision changes?
Eat these foods that are rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
What are fruits and vegetables?
A systolic pressure of more than 180 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of more than 120 mmHg.
What is severe hypertension?
These factors — like age, family history, ethnicity, and gender — are known as this type of risk factor because you cannot change them.
What are non-modifiable risk factors?
Two types of additional exams your doctor may perform to check for complications.
What are heart and eye exams?
Although rare, this can happen in severe cases of hypertension and might surprise someone suddenly.
What is a nosebleed?
Ideally <2,300 mg/day; further reduction to 1,500 mg/day may provide additional benefit.
What is reduced sodium (salt) intake?