Think about lowering your blood pressure today

My follow-up visit was early yesterday morning, the day when I brought in my blood pressure log that I've been keeping for six weeks. My helpful and patient doctor reviewed my entries carefully and said to my surprise " well, things look pretty good". He later explained that my blood pressure was consistent with men of my age and below the hypertensive level. He also explained that everyone's blood pressure increases over time as our bodies age and the importance of keeping a watch on things.

Even without any symptoms, a blood pressure level in the pre-hypertensive range can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, heart and kidney failure. High blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer" because you can have it for years without knowing it. In fact, nearly one-third of the 75 million Americans with high blood pressure don't know it.

Under recent guidelines, a resting blood pressure reading below 120/80 millimeters of mercury is considered "normal". If your resting blood pressure is consistently 140/90 or higher, you have high blood pressure. Any reading between these levels places you in the pre-hypertensive category. Under these guidelines, any reading over 115/75 increases your risk of cardiovascular complications. These numbers aren't just for men, women are certainly not immune from having high blood pressure either.

I'm not trying to spoil your weekend, just a friendly reminder to have your blood pressure checked regularly. In fact, maybe you should consider buying one of the handy home blood pressure monitors like the one I have, it may be more accurate and convenient than using the one at the pharmacy.

Check your blood pressure today and take whatever steps necessary to keep it low and under control.

Greg Saffell

Elder Place

(206) 617-2247