Blood Pressure Tracking Card (Page 3 of 8) in pdf

Blood Pressure Tracking Card Page 3

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of

the arteries.

Blood pressure results from two forces. One is created by the

heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and through the

circulatory system. The other is the force of the arteries as they

resist the blood flow.

What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Indicate?

The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while

the heart contracts to pump blood to the body.

The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when

the heart relaxes between beats.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure.

Blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg is considered optimal for

adults. A systolic pressure of 120 to 139 mmHg or a diastolic

pressure of 80 to 89 mmHg is considered "prehypertension" and

needs to be watched carefully. A blood pressure reading of

140/90 or higher is considered elevated (high). The only way to

find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood

pressure checked.

Blood Pressure Tracking Card Page 3