What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force with which blood pushes against the walls of the arteries. Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. Blood pressure is highest when your heart is beating and pumping blood. This is known as systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, between beats, the blood pressure drops. This is called diastolic pressure. The blood pressure reading uses these two numbers. Usually the systolic number is before or above the diastolic number. For example, 120/80 means a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80. How is high blood pressure diagnosed? High blood pressure usually produces no symptoms. The only way to know if you have it is to have your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor. Your doctor will use a blood pressure monitor, a stethoscope or electronic sensor, and a cuff to measure your blood pressure. He or she will take two or more readings at different visits before making a diagnosis. Prevention Since there is a strong link between environmental factors and blood pressure, health professionals are promoting hypertension prevention. A trusted AHA source recommends:

• consume a healthy diet low in salt
• reduce alcohol consumption
• enjoying regular physical activity
• stress management
• maintain a healthy weight
• Stop smoking

A healthy dietA healthy source for the heart involves eating:

• fruits
• vegetables
• full grain
• low-fat dairy products
• Poultry and skinless fish
• nuts and legumes
• non-tropical vegetable oils

People who eat well, quit smoking, lower their stress levels and exercise regularly can see benefits in their overall health.

• saturated and trans fats
• sodium
• Red meat
• sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages.
• People who eat well, quit smoking, reduce stress levels and exercise regularly may notice benefits in their overall health.

If you already have high blood pressure, it is important to prevent it from getting worse or causing complications. Get regular medical care and follow the recommended treatment plan. Your plan will include healthy lifestyle recommendations and possibly medications.   [cool_tag_cloud on_single_display="local"]