|
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
the
nation's largest collection of information
and resources on HIV/AIDS, STD and TB prevention.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
A component
of the National Institutes of Health, is dedicated to exploring complementary
and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science
Maternal and Child Health Bureau
A subdivision
of the Health Resources and Services Administration
National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse
A service
of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, one
of the National Institutes of Health
|
 |
Eagle River Family Practice
|
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is written as two numbers such as 115/75. The first or top number is always the highest. It is called the systolic blood pressure and represents the pressure in the vascular (blood) system during the contraction (beat) of the heart. The second number is called the diastolic blood pressure, representing the resting phase of the heart.
The classifications for blood pressure, defined by the 7th report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC7), are:
|
Systolic |
Diastolic |
| Normal |
less than: 120 |
/90 |
| Pre hypertension |
120-139 |
/ 80-90 |
| Stage 1 hypertension |
140-159 |
/ 90-99 |
| Stage 2 hypertension |
more than: 160 |
/ 100 |
Optimum BP is 115/75 or less. For every 20 points the systolic (top) and 10 points diastolic (bottom) number raises above the optimum, the risk of heart attacks and stroke double. High blood pressure also increases risks to kidneys, vision and most other organ systems.
The mainstay of both treatment and prevention of high blood pressure is lifestyle modification:
Lose weight if overweight
Reduce sodium intake to less than 2.4 grams this is about the same as 6 grams of salt per day
Increase aerobic (walking, swimming, cycling, etc) exercise to at least 30-40 minutes per day
Limit alcohol to 1 drink a day
Maintain a diet rich in potassium
Maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products
Reduce saturated and total fats in diet
Stop all tobacco use and reduce or eliminate caffeine from the diet
If you feel you may have High Blood Pressure or for more information, schedule a visit with us at Eagle Rive Family Practice, or with your health care provider for an evaluation.
More information is available from the American Heart Association 1-800-242-8721 or on the web at www.americanheart.org
Fredrick G. May
Physician Assistant, Certified
Fred is a Physician Assistant with Eagle River Family Practice 694-4333 . Please see our ad on this page. He may also be reached at House Calls of Eagle River 696-5246.
|
| |
Older Articles:
How to Avoid Injuries in the Young Athlete
Primary Care Associates
Alaska Chiropractic & Therapy
February is American Heart Month
Eagle River Family Practice Thank you
The Inescapable Alaskan Seasonal Affective Disorders
What is Kinesio Taping?
Are you at risk?
Learn the Heart Truth!
Pertussis
Pain, so what?
Healthy life skills
Alaska Chiropractic Therapy
|
|
|
| Alaska
Chiropractic & Therapy
Injuries,
Pain & Wellness Care
|
| Dr Teri Jarnagin
General Dentistry, Member Alaska Dental Society
|
| Family
Health Center
Health is achievable through knowledge of self
|
|
Home Optics
We'll bring your Glasses & Contacts Where You Are!!
|
| Northern Chiropractic
We specialize in car crash and work related injuries
|
| Alaska Taekwondo
Instructors that Care!
|
Eagle River Family Practice
Caring for Eagle River Families for over 20 Years
|
|
|
|
