Hypertension is the most important preventable cause of heart disease and stroke worldwide. – World Health Organization
April 7th is World Health Day. Celebrate by staying on top of your blood pressure. Blood pressure management is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your health. High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently high pressure, putting them under increased stress. The higher the blood pressure, the harder the heart has to pump. This can lead to heart disease and stroke, both of which are leading causes of death in the U.S.
How Do I Understand my Blood Pressure?
Normal adult blood pressure is approximately 120 mm Hg when the heart beats (systolic ) and 80 mm Hg when the heart relaxes (diastolic). Because these numbers can range so greatly, the World Health Organization has introduced risk classifications with which one can easily identify the severity of their blood pressure.
All of Graham-Field’s automatic blood pressure units feature the WHO Risk Indicator, shown at right. This 6 color LED gives patients the category their blood pressure falls into, ranging from Optimal Blood Pressure to Severe Hypertension.
How Can I Minimize Risk?
The first step toward healthy blood pressure, for most, is embracing a healthy lifestyle.
- ALWAYS consult your doctor when treating your blood pressure
- If you smoke, stop (if you don’t smoke, don’t start)
- Get active and maintain a healthy weight
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Avoid the use of excessive alcohol
- Reduce your salt intake
For others, prescription medication may be needed to control blood pressure.
How Do I Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure?
ALWAYS talk to your doctor about your blood pressure.
The best way to maintain a healthy blood pressure is to monitor and check it regularly.
GF Health Products, Inc. (“Graham-Field”) offers a range of instruments, including both upper arm and wrist blood pressure monitors, to help patients be proactive in tracking their blood pressure.
Sources:
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/
Contact us for more ideas and advice.
Shelby Kenney is an Associate Product Manager at Graham-Field.
