1. Blood Pressure

2. What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the reflection of pressure against the walls of a vessel.

3. Factors that affect blood pressure Blood volume Stress Blood vessel condition Peripheral resistance (size of the vessel) Vessel elasticity (hardening) Heart muscle condition

4. What’s normal?

5. Normotension Systolic = contracting / Diastolic = relaxing 119 or below / 79 or below

6. Pre-hypertension 120-139 / 80-89

7. hypertension 140 or above / 90 or above Essential vs. Secondary

8. Symptoms of blood pressure May not have any symptoms Headaches Blurred vision Angina Vertigo Difficulty breathing Fatigue Nosebleeds Palpitations

9. What can happen if untreated? Stroke Blood clots Aneurysms Heart disease Kidney disease

10. Risk factors Genetic Age Gender Race Diabetic or other health problems Smoking Obesity

11. What to do Proper diet Increase activity Lose weight Stop smoking Know your blood pressure TAKE MEDICATIONS!!!