Blood Pressure

There’s a growing dialogue over which figures, if any, adequately describe the “optimum” blood pressure.

Recent figures from the U.S. Government suggest the following:

• Pre-Hypertension
• Any “top” number between 120 - 139
• Any “bottom” number between 80 -89
• Hypertension
• Any reading greater than 140 over 90

According to research from a team at the University of Illinois, nearly 60% of Americans have a serious blood pressure problem which may increase their risks of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

The study also found:

• 27% of adults suffer from hypertension
• 31% have pre-hypertension
• The combined total, obviously, is 58%

On a micro basis, the University of Illinois study discovered:

• The combined total among Blacks was 63%
• The combined total among the obese was 76%
• The combined total among those 60 and older was 88%

The data for the study was extracted from a government survey conducted among 4,805 adults during 1999 - 2000.

It is believed high blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and arteries, resulting in their deterioration. Starting with a reading of 115 over 75, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each 20 point jump in the top number or 10 point increase of the bottom number.

Blood pressure can be naturally controlled by losing weight, exercising, stop smoking, using less salt, and consuming no more than one or two alcoholic drinks each day. If these methods fail, your doctor may place you on medication.

To return to the “Cardio Health” Gateway page, click HERE

To return to the HOME page, click HERE