Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO) and Presbyterian MediCare PPO | Summer 2021 | Your Story

6 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE What you need to know Blood pressure is a term used to talk about the blood’s force against the artery walls in your body. If the force is too high, it could cause health problems and heart disease. You can find out your numbers by checking your blood pressure. A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It consists of two numbers. ● The top number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. ● The bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries between beats. Risk factors for highbloodpressure ● Being overweight ● Not being active ● Tobacco use ● Too much salt in the diet ● Drinking too much alcohol ● Race ● Family history ● Age Symptoms of high blood pressure Most people with high blood pressure do not have signs or symptoms, even though their readings might be very high. If symptoms are present, they can include shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or headaches. Often, signs do not occur until the high blood pressure has gotten to a life-threatening stage. High blood pressure that is not treated can lead to serious health issues. The most common are: ● Heart failure ● Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in the kidneys ● Heart attacks or strokes ● Thick, torn, or narrowed blood vessels in the eyes ● Aneurysm ● Memory or understanding issues ● Metabolic syndrome ● Dementia Check with your provider Ask your primary care provider if your blood pressure has changed, especially if you are at risk or if your blood pressure is over 140/90. Blood pressure checks are a part of routine care, but you may need to be checked more often if you have high blood pressure. To find out your numbers, make an appointment with your provider. Source: Mayo Clinic LESS THAN 120 LESS THAN 80 AND HIGHER THAN 180 HIGHER THAN 120 120-129 80 AND 130-139 80-89 OR OR 140 HIGHER OR 90 HIGHER Systolic mm Hg Diastolic mm Hg Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health Know your numbers Talk with your doctor about your blood pressure. Ask how often you should have it checked. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause your heart to work too hard. This raises your risk for serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. BLOOD PRESSURE by the NUMBERS Normal Elevated Stage 1 hypertension Stage 2 hypertension Medical care needed right away Measured in mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) AND/OR OR LESS THAN Need a doctor? Visit pmgdirectory.phs.org or call (505) 923-6060 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 120 90 80 70 140 130 180 120