Partner with the caring doctors of the Englewood Health Physician Network to monitor your blood pressure and improve your health.
What is Blood Pressure?
- Blood pressure is the force of blood on the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps.
- Systolic pressure, the top number, measures the force of blood when your heart beats
- Diastolic pressure, the bottom number, measures the force of blood between heartbeats
- Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure; pulse pressure isn’t the same as heart rate
Normal Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure is normal if you have a reading lower than 120/80, which means the systolic pressure is lower than 120 and the diastolic number is lower than 80.
Normal Pulse Pressure Range
A pulse pressure of 30 to 50 is normal. Having a pulse pressure that’s higher or lower could be a sign of a problem.
What is Hypertension?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, means the force of blood in your arteries is over 130/80 and too high. It usually doesn’t cause symptoms. But it can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Your risk for high blood pressure increases as you age and if you have certain risk factors. These include:
- A family history of high blood pressure
- A diet that’s high in salt and low in potassium or vitamin D
- Not getting enough exercise
- Being overweight or obese
- Conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, and sleep apnea
- Taking certain medications, such as birth control pills
- Using tobacco or drugs like cocaine or amphetamines
- Drinking too much alcohol
Lower Your Blood Pressure
Work with your doctor to determine the best way to control your blood pressure. Your care plan may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications, like beta blockers
- Managing other health conditions you have