Understanding high blood pressure: a silent but serious condition
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health condition that occurs when the force of blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. This put extra strain on the heart, making it work harder to pump blood throughout the body. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems.
Why healthy blood pressure matters
When blood pressure rises above 130/80 mm Hg, it increases the risk of life-threatening complications such as:
Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney disease
Dementia
It’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly at each healthcare visit to catch problems early and manage your risk.
Tips for eating healthy to lower blood pressure
One effective way to manage blood pressure is through diet. A diet low in sodium and saturated fat - like the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan - can lower blood pressure as effectively as some medications. Choosing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dietary products can make a big difference.
Know your numbers: what’s normal, elevated, and high?
Understanding your blood pressure readings is key to monitoring your health:
Normal: Systolic < 120 mm Hg, Diastolic < 80 mm Hg
Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mm Hg, Diastolic < 80 mm Hg
High Blood Pressure: Systolic ≥ 130 mm Hg, Diastolic ≥ 80 mm Hg
Systolic vs. diastolic: what do they mean?
Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure when the heart pumps blood out into the arteries.
Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
Questions to ask your doctor
It’s a good idea to talk with your primary care physician (PCP) about your blood pressure. Consider asking:
What does my blood pressure reading mean for me?
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
How can I lower my blood pressure if it’s high?
Can any of my medications affect my blood pressure?
Get checked: free blood pressure screenings in May
The town nurse is offering free blood pressure checks in May:
Wednesday, May 7 at 11:00 am: Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant Street
Thursday, May 8, at 10:00 am: 22 Frank Tanner Drive
You can also schedule a home visit and BP check by calling the town nurse, Liv Bartolomei, RN, BSN, at 781-942-6656.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
