Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the arterial walls. “Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers—the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats) (NHLBI).”
High blood pressure can have serious impacts on health. The increased tension on the arterial walls (hypertension) increases the risk for having a stroke, developing heart and kidney disease and blindness. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute approximately 1 in 4 American adults have high blood pressure and 20.4% don’t know they have it.
Blood Pressure Systolic (upper #) Diastolic (lower #)
Category mm Hg mm Hg
Normal < 120 < 80
Prehypertension 120-139 80-89
Hypertension Stage 1 140-159 90-99
Hypertension Stage 2 > 160 > 100
It is very important to keep your blood pressure under control. Natural approaches to preventing and treating high blood pressure include:
- Maintain healthy weight
- Reduce sodium intake (<2300 mg/day)
- Low-fat diet – choose mono/polyunsaturated fats
- Increase fruits, vegetables and whole grains
For more information on how to prevent and treat high blood pressure click here.
Information contributed by Kristy Thomas, a dietetic intern at Southeast Missouri State University. Kristy spent two weeks at J.W. Terrill learning about community nutrition and corporate wellness.
May 1, 2013
Employee Benefit & HR News