Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is also known as the silent killer.Studies show that an estimated 1 in 4 adults suffer from hypertension. Managing and monitoring hypertension can help minimize the risk of its many complications such as heart failure, heart disease and stroke.

 

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Blood Pressure
For information regarding blood pressure, please view the High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet (PDF) provided by the American Heart Association and High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet (PDF) 2 provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of your body in vessels called arteries. Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats (about 60-70 times a minute at rest), it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure.

Measuring Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is always given as 2 numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Both are important. Usually they are written 1 above or before the other, such as 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure is 120/80, you say that it is “120 over 80.” The top number is the systolic and the bottom the diastolic.

Blood pressure changes during the day. It is lowest as you sleep and rises when you get up. It also can rise when you are excited, nervous, or active.

Still, for most of your waking hours, your blood pressure stays pretty much the same when you are sitting or standing still. That level should be lower than 120/80. When the level stays high, 140/90 or higher, you have may high blood pressure. With high blood pressure, the heart works harder, your arteries take a beating, and your chances of a stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems are greater.

Track Your Blood Pressure
Our blood pressure trackers show you how to take your blood pressure using a home monitoring device and gives you two options for keeping a record: on a Full Size Chart (PDF) or a handy Wallet Chart (PDF) that you can carry with you to medical appointments, health fairs, a store’s blood pressure machine or to the Town of Stratford EMS Headquarters.

BP Checks
Stratford EMS provides free blood pressure checks at it’s headquarters located at 2712 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615.