All Adult Canadians Should know what their Blood Pressure numbers Are

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the number one correctable risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease.

Blood pressure is the pressure or force of blood against the walls of blood vessels as it circulates. Blood pressure is most commonly measured in the brachial artery of the arm and is expressed as two numbers like a fraction (measured in units called millimeters of mercury or mmHg). The top number measuring systolic blood pressure occurs when the heart beats (contracts). The bottom number measuring diastolic blood pressure occurs when the heart relaxes. Both numbers are important. When a person has high blood pressure, the elevated blood pressure can be seen with the systolic pressure (systolic hypertension), with the diastolic pressure (diastolic hypertension), or both.

What’s more, hypertension is on the rise in Canadians 18-35 years of age, due in part to rising rates of obesity in children and teens.

Big health benefits are the pay-off for reducing high blood pressure. According to the Canadian Hypertension Society, lowering high blood pressure can reduce:
• Heart attacks by 25%
• Stroke by 40%
• Heart failure by 50%

Make an appointment with your Scarborough family doctor to check your blood pressure. It is recommended that you get your blood pressure checked at least once every year. Your doctor may recommend that you get checked more often if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Sources:
Heart & Stroke Foundation http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca/site/c.pvI3IeNWJwE/b.3581583/k.BE4C/Home.htm
Hypertension Canada: https://www.hypertension.ca/en/