Blood Pressure
Basics
Basics
The top number in a BP reading represents pressure when the heart beats.
What is systolic pressure?
The recommended daily sodium limit to help lower blood pressure.
What is 1,500 mg per day?
These nuts were traditionally consumed for their healthy fats and protein.
What are pecans and walnuts?
These types of dances involve agility, rhythm, and endurance and serve as cultural cardio.
What are powwow dances?
The heart is this kind of organ.
What is a muscle?
Normal blood pressure is under this numeric range for systolic and diastolic.
What is 120/80
This diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy is recommended for BP control.
What is the DASH diet?
This berry is rich in vitamin C and folate and was used in teas and poultices.
What is raspberry?
This traditional game built speed and strength and was played by the Haudenosaunee.
What is lacrosse?
This structure separates the left and right sides of the heart.
What is the septum?
Blood pressure is measured in these units.
What is mm Hg (millimeters of mercury)?
This kind of exercise reduces BP and involves sustained activity like walking or cycling.
What is aerobic exercise?
Cacao was sacred to Mesoamerican peoples and contains these heart-healthy compounds.
What are flavonoids/polyphenols?
Ghost dances and stomp dances incorporate sustained movement for this heart benefit.
What is aerobic conditioning?
The top chambers of the heart are called these.
What are the atria?
Blood pressure readings above 140/90 mm Hg are also called this.
What is Stage 2 hypertension?
Two lifestyle factors to reduce, besides salt and alcohol, to manage BP.
What are smoking and stress?
Indigenous diets were high in these heart-protective omega-3 fats.
What are fatty acids found in fish and nuts?
Tarahumara runners are famous for this athletic ability.
What is long-distance endurance running?
The heart’s natural pacemaker is this node.
What is the sinoatrial (SA) node?
Blood pressure readings may be lower at home than at the doctor’s office due to this.
What is “white coat hypertension” or “office effect”
Losing even this small percentage of body weight can make a significant difference in BP.
What is 5–10% of body weight?
Traditional Indigenous foods provide these — substances that protect cells and fight inflammation.
What are antioxidants?
Traditional food gathering and foraging also provided this benefit.
What is daily physical activity and stamina?
Blood from the body returns to this heart chamber first.
What is the right atrium?