1. BLOOD PRESSURE 101 Taking Control of the Silent Killer

2. Blood Pressure Definition Adult Blood Pressure Categories Detection Hypertension Prevention Tips References

3. Blood Pressure Definition Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels, and is one of the principal vital signs. During each heartbeat, BP varies between a maximum (systolic) and a minimum (diastolic) pressure. The mean BP, due to pumping by the heart and resistance to flow in blood vessels, decreases as the circulating blood moves away from the heart through arteries. Blood pressure drops most rapidly along the small arteries and arterioles, and continues to decrease as the blood moves through the capillaries and back to the heart through veins. Gravity, valves in veins, and pumping from contraction of skeletal muscles, are some other influences on BP at various places in the body.

4. Force of blood on vein wallsPressure units: milligrams of mercury (mgHg)

5. Defined by two numbersSystolic: pressure during beatsDiastolic: pressure between beats Read as the systolic over diastolic level Example: 120 over 80

6. Adult Blood Pressure Categories Normal Systolic < 120 - 139 Diastolic < 80

7. Pre-12hypertension Systolic 120-139 Diastolic 80-89

8. Hypertension Systolic >140 Diastolic >90

9. Detection No symptoms Pressure must be tested Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope used

10. Hypertension Prevention Tips Eat Healthy Fruits and vegetables Low fat diet Maintain Weight

11. Exercise regularly

12. References National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute www.nlhbi.nih.gov American Heart Association www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml

13. Thank you!