FEBRUARY 11: GET YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED

29 Days to a Healthier Heart

The Numbers:
Blood pressure is what allows the blood to flow and deliver nutrients to our bodies. It is the force on the walls of the arteries as the blood circulates.  While readings may vary slightly from day to day, and between individuals, a reading of less than 120/80 mmHg is usually what you’re aiming for as an indicator of optimal heart health.

If either of these numbers is significantly elevated for three or more consecutive readings taken at different times (and on different days) – you have high blood pressure, or hypertension. The higher these numbers, and the longer they are high, the more damage is caused to your blood vessels. Blood pressure increases with age and the vast majority of Canadians will develop hypertension unless they follow an active and healthy lifestyle.

The Risk
High levels are a leading risk factor for stroke, heart attack, heart and kidney failure and is related to both dementia and sexual problems. A decrease of even 10 mmHg (mm mercury) can occur with simple dietary modification and/or increases in physical activity. This will reduce your risk of developing serious complications.

It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
This should be done at LEAST once a year at your annual physical exam with your ND or MD, and may also be done more frequently if you are elderly, on medications or have any other related health concerns. You may also monitor your own blood pressure at the self-check booths in several pharmacies in the city.

Check in with our other Head to Toe Heart Healthy articles for ways to reduce blood pressure and improve your heart health! For more information, visit Hypertension Canada (http://www.hypertension.ca) or the American Society of Hypertension (http://www.ash-us.org/)

-Katie Weststrate, RHN, RYT, MScCH, ND