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Blood pressure Blood pressure is a measure of the force that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries in the body. Raised blood pressure is a major risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease. It can also lead to kidney failure and eye damage. What do the numbers mean? The higher number is known as the ‘systolic’ blood pressure and is the pressure in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) when the heart is contracting or pumping blood out into the arteries. The lower number is known as the ‘diastolic’ blood pressure and is the pressure in mmHg when the heart is resting or filling between contractions. The two measurements are usually written as systolic/diastolic, e.g. 120/80 and expressed as 120 over 80. What causes blood pressure to change? Blood pressure is a very dynamic measurement which can change rapidly. There are a number of factors which can influence your blood pressure including stress, alcohol consumption, medication, emotions, posture (lying or sitting), exercise, smoking, caffeine and biomedical factors. Lifestyle changes for reducing blood pressure What is a desirable blood pressure? • Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.99). • Be smoke free. • Limit your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day and have at least two alcohol free days per week. • Be physically active for 30 minutes or more on all or most days. • Enjoy healthy eating. Choose mainly vegetables, fruits and legumes (beans, lentils) and wholegrain foods (bread, pasta) as well as moderate amounts of lean meat and fish and reduced fat dairy products. Limit saturated fats but include moderate amounts of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. In healthy individuals the systolic value should be 120 mmHg or below and the diastolic value 80 mmHg or below. Treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension) Sometimes the only way to lower blood pressure and reduce your health risks is through medication, although doctors will generally look for nonpharmacological measures to manage blood pressure first. There are a number of lifestyle modifications that may assist in reducing blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) Normal Borderline High <_ 120 121 – 139 > _ 140 Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) Normal Borderline High _< 80 81 – 89 > _ 90 It is important to have your blood pressure checked at least every six to 12 months and even more frequently if it is above normal. For more information visit the following websites: www.aihw.gov.au/high-blood-pressure/ www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/cardiovascular-conditions/Pages/blood-pressure.aspx HI-1139 18/06/15