Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

High blood pressure affects 50,000,000 Americans and kills 190,000 each year. One in four Americans has high blood pressure which is also known as hypertension. What is this problem that affects so many of us?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls. An artery is one of the tube-like vessels that carry blood away from the heart to other parts of the body. Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers. The top number -120/80 is the force of blood against the arteries as the heart beats. The second or bottom number- 120/80 is the force of blood against the arteries when the heart is at rest or between beats. A blood pressure reading above 140/90 is considered high and should be checked by a doctor.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer". This is because there may be few or no symptoms. Over time, if high blood pressure goes undiagnosed or untreated, it may result in a stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney damage and/or eye damage.

Hypertension does not have to be life threatening. Blood pressure can be controlled through healthy lifestyles and medication. Healthy eating, exercising, controlling stress and diabetes, not smoking and taking your medication as directed by your doctor are all things that you can do.

Taking control is not possible unless you know your blood pressure number. Take advantage of blood pressure screenings at health fairs, shopping centers and other community events. When you visit your doctor, ask for your blood pressure number. If they answer with "It's just fine" insist on getting the number. Take control, know your number, stay healthy.