4
A FEW WORDS ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood pressure is the force on the walls of your blood vessels
as blood ows through them
Your heart is like a pump When it contracts, pressure
increases (systolic pressure)
When your heart relaxes blood pres-sure decreases (diastolic
pressure)
When a doctor takes your blood pressure, he or she measures
both your systolic and diastolic pressures and records them
as numbers
The more difcult it is for your blood to ow through your blood vessels, the higher both
numbers will be When blood pressure is consistently above normal it is called hypertension
(high blood pressure)
Your blood pressure changes constantly Blood pressure changes from day to day and minute
to minute according to your body’s needs
One or two readings will not determine your normal blood pressure It is very important to take
regular, daily measurements and to keep accurate records In partnership with your doctor,
an accurate record of your blood pressure over a period of time can be a valuable aid in
diagnosing and preventing potential health problems
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