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Know Your Numbers: Blood Pressure
October 24, 2009 |
When it comes to blood pressure, two numbers can make all the difference: 120 over
80.
“When you come in to see the doctor, you should wait about 5 minutes before checking
the blood pressure. It should be the last vital sign that you check,” advises LMHS
internal medicine physician, Dr. Aldith Lewis.
It’s an important vital sign as well. A change in these numbers could signal a problem
with your health. Breaking down the numbers: if the top reading is between 120-139
or the below number is between 80 – 89, “that is a pre-hypertensive phase and our goal in that area should be lifestyle modification to prevent those patients from
going on to high blood pressure.”
If the top number falls between 140 and 159 or the bottom number reads between 90
and 99, then Stage 1 Hypertension sets in. A 160 over 100 reading signals a serious
problem.
“High blood pressure affects several organ systems. It affects the heart, can lead
to congestive heart failure. It also leads to chronic kidney disease, it affects
the eyes, the blood vessels and cause peripheral aerial disease,” adds Dr. Lewis.
Having your blood pressure checked regularly can
help you detect any health problems
early. High blood pressure can easily be treated through certain medications and
simple lifestyle changes.
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