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Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries as
the heart pumps blood around the body. Blood pressure is normal.
We all have it and need it to stay alive.
Your blood pressure is always changing. When you are resting
it is usually lower. It is often higher during exercise and
when you are angry or excited.
Blood pressure can be measured by your general practitioner.
Your blood pressure result will have two numbers (eg 120/90).
The first (higher) number is the pressure when the heart actually
beats and is called the systolic pressure. The second (lower)
number is the pressure when the heart rests between beats
and is called the diastolic pressure. Your general practitioner
may take your blood pressure several times before deciding
if your blood pressure is low, normal or high.
Here is a guide to blood pressure levels in adults:
| Normal |
less than 120/80 |
| Borderline |
between 120/80 and 140/90 |
| High |
equal to or more than 140/90 |
| Very High |
equal to or more than 180/110 |
Blood pressure is normally lower in children and in women
during pregnancy. Low blood pressure is generally not a problem.
However, it sometimes can be a symptom of a medical problem.
Your general practitioner will advise you.
The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension.
About one in seven Australian adults have it. It increases
your risk of heart disease,
stroke and other heart problems.
The causes of high blood pressure are often unknown. However,
lifestyle factors such as smoking,
being overweight, your diet, alcohol
and lack of exercise can increase
your risk of high blood pressure.
High blood pressure rarely gives you any warning signs. The
only way to know what your blood pressure is to have it checked
every two years, or more often if your general practitioner
advises you to.
What can I do to control my blood pressure?
- Eat less fat and salt.
- Eat plenty of cereals, fruit, fish, and vegetables.
- Eat less red meat.
- Stay a healthy weight.
- Exercise for 30 minutes on most or every day of the week.
If you like, the 30 minutes can be accumulated in shorter
sessions of at least 10 minutes.
- Limit alcohol to two glasses a day or less
- If you are given tablets to control blood pressure, take
them as prescribed.
- Be a non-smoker
- Have your blood pressure checked every two years or as
directed by your general practitioner.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your general practitioner or contact National Heart
Foundation's Heartline on 1300 362 787.
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