Blood pressure is the measure of the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries.

The top number is called your systolic (sis-tol-ick) pressure, and it measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Normal systolic pressure is less than 120. Pre-hypertension is 120-139, and hypertension is 140 and up.

The bottom number is your diastolic (die-a-stol-ick) pressure, and it measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest. Normal diastolic pressure is less than 80. Pre-hypertension is 80-89. Hypertension is 90 and up.

If high blood pressure is left untreated it can damage your blood vessels without you knowing or feeling it. The longer that it is untreated, the greater your risk of damage. Damaged blood vessels can lead to heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. High blood pressure can be controlled by making small changes in daily activities and habits or with medical therapy.

Tips on how to lower high blood pressure:

• Quit smoking.
• Lose weight. Losing those extra pounds is the best way to lower blood pressure.
• Be active every day.
• Make dietary changes.
• Cut back on salt. Use spices, herbs, or lemon to flavor foods.
• Cut back on alcohol, as it is high in calories and raises blood pressure.
• Take your blood pressure pills as prescribed by your health care provider.

Any small changes you make will help lower your blood pressure.

Source: Security Health Plan.

Do you have a MidState doctor? For information, call 1.866.MMC.5678.