You’re probably familiar with your weight, height, vital statistics. But what about your blood pressure?
When your heart beats, it pushes your blood throughout your entire body. The blood then pushes against the walls of your arteries as it rushes to supply your body with oxygen and nourishing nutrients. This pressure against the walls is referred to as your blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) increases your risk of serious diseases like stroke or heart attack. It is sometimes called a “silent killer,” because most of the time it has no warning signs. This is precisely why you need to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
How do I interpret blood pressure readings?
Blood pressure readings are expressed through two numbers: (for example, 120/80), and are measured in mmHg, or millimeters of mercury. This represents the level of pressure the blood is exerting. The first number (120) is your systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number (80) is your diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is relaxed. Together, these numbers help to inform you how hard the heart is working to pump blood around your body.
The idea is 120/80, but blood pressure can vary from person to person depending on your overall health. If your blood pressure is high, it may be due to lifestyle factors or it may also indicate health issues such as heart and kidney disease, strokes or circulation issues.
How often should I monitor my blood pressure?
You should get your blood pressure checked at least once every two years, or as often as your doctor recommends if you have ongoing health issues.
If you want to have your blood pressure checked, Green Pharmacy at Bronx, New York offers free blood pressure checks using automated kiosks that allow you to track your blood pressure history and report it to your health care professional. Our pharmacists can also assess your risk for heart disease and provide you with valuable information to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
