Blood Pressure

Why controlling and tracking it is so important

Your blood pressure measures the force of your blood against the walls of your vessels, and it is described as a ratio. For example, if your pressure is 120/80, you’ll be told it’s “120 over 80.”

The first number of your blood pressure is the systolic (sis-TALL-ik) pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when your heart is pumping blood. The second number is the diastolic (DIE-a-STALL-ik) pressure, or the pressure in the arteries between beats, when your heart is at rest and filling with blood.

Your blood pressure should be less than 130/80 – under 120/80 is even better. To help keep it under control, try losing weight, eating less salt and exercising regularly. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

You can track your blood pressure at home at least twice a week with a home blood pressure kit. For the greatest accuracy, buy an automatic monitor with an arm cuff, not one that takes blood pressure at the wrist or finger. Before shopping, measure your arm to ensure the cuff will fit properly. The standard cuff fits 9- to 13-inch biceps; some models let you trade it in for a larger or smaller size.

ARTICLE TOOLS: