Know Your Numbers

It’s very easy for us to remember certain numbers, especially if we have to use them often. Number’s like our phone number, address and social security numbers are easy to remember and also very important. When it comes to our health there are also number’s we should know, one of them is our blood pressure.

What is Blood Pressure?
Simply put, blood pressure is the amount of pressure on our arteries when our heart beats and in-between beats. There are two different measures, one is our systolic blood pressure and the other is our diastolic blood pressure. A systolic blood pressure reading measures the amount of pressure in our arties when our heart beats. A diastolic blood pressure reading measures the amount of pressure in our arties in-between beats.

Why is it important?
Knowing your blood pressure is very important because maintaining a normal blood pressure range is recommended to obtain optimal health and to avoid the risks of many other diseases including heart disease and even death.

Blood Pressure Range
According to the American Heart Association a normal blood pressure range is when a systolic blood pressure reading is under 120 and a diastolic blood pressure range is under 80. A Pre-Hypertensive Blood Pressure Reading is when a systolic blood pressure reading is between 120- 139 and a diastolic reading is between 80- 89. A Hypertensive blood pressure reading is when a systolic blood pressure reading is 140 and over and a diastolic blood pressure range is 90 and over. If a systolic blood pressure range is over 180 or a diastolic blood pressure range is over 110 seek emergency medical care immediately, this is considered a Hypertensive Crisis.

Can I Improve my Blood Pressure?
If you find your blood pressure is above a normal range schedule an appointment with your Doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will decide the best treatment for you to begin to lower your blood pressure. In some cases medication is needed. Keeping active as well as eating a healthy balanced diet is also another way to help lower your blood pressure.

Preventive
According to the American Heart Association developing heart healthy habits such as 150 minutes of physical activity a week along with a healthy diet can help to reduce the risks of high blood pressure and many other diseases.

The City of Los Fresnos Community Health Outreach Program offers a verity of free exercise classes as well as free health screenings and follow-ups for adults 18 and older. For more information or to register for this free program contact your Community Health Worker.

For more information contact Los Fresnos City Hall at 956-233-5768 or Christine De La Rosa, Community Health Worker at 956-312-1406 or email at [email protected]