What is a Blood Pressure?
Blood Pressure Screening: the 3rd Sunday of every month from 10:30-11:00 AM
- Blood pressure is the force of pressure against arterial walls as blood is pumped through the arteries.
- High blood pressure occurs when smaller vessels, called arterioles, are narrowed, which makes it harder for blood to pass through. When this occurs, the heart has to work harder and blood pressure rises.
- There are two measurements of blood pressure: The upper level (systolic) is measured when the heart is beating. This number reflects the maximum amount of pressure on the arteries. The lower level (diastolic) is measured when the heart is resting. This number reflects the minimum amount of pressure on the arteries.
- A person's blood pressure does not always remain the same. It changes constantly, varying from day to day and moment to moment according to your body's needs. For most adults, a blood pressure reading less than 140/90 mm Hg is accepted as "normal".
THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS THAT ALL INDIVIDUALS HAVE THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED REGULARLY.