WHAT DO BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBERS INDICATE?
The top number of a blood pressure reading is called systolic pressure and represents the pressure while the heart is beating. The bottom number, called diastolic pressure, represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. The systolic pressure is always stated first and the diastolic pressure second. For example: 122/76 (122 over 76); systolic = 122, diastolic = 76. Early warning signs of hypertension can be diagnosed by a systolic reading of 120 and above and/or a diastolic reading of 90 and above. Blood pressure of less than 140 over 90 is considered a normal reading for adults. A systolic pressure of 130 to 139 or a diastolic pressure of 85 to 89 needs to be watched carefully. A blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140 over 90 is considered elevated or high. HOW TO TAKE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE. Nearly 50 MILLION Americans have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association, and nearly one-third of them don’t know it! TO GET THE BEST READING J
