Oct
31
Blood Pressure Goals
October 31, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The top number is called the systolic blood pressure (SBP), and it represents the maximum force exerted when the heart contracts. The bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reading, and it represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. By controlling blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and even death. Depending on the number of risk factors including family history of heart disease, blood pressure goals will be different from one person to the next so make sure to check with your doctor. Check out the table below as a reference for blood pressure classification.
| Blood Pressure Classification | Systolic Blood Pressure | Diastolic Blood Pressure |
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Pre-hypertension | 120 - 129 | 80 - 89 |
| Stage 1 | 140 - 159 | 90 - 99 |
| Stage 2 | Greater than 160 | Greater than 100 |
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