Blood Pressure

— The force or pressure exerted by the heart against the walls of the arteries.When the arterioles (smaller arteries) constrict (narrow), the blood must flow through a smaller“pipe” and the pressure rises. High blood pressure can result, adding to the workload of theheart and arteries. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure, orhypertension, is a condition in which blood pressure levels are above the normal range. Bloodpressures of 120–139 / 80–89 mm Hg are considered prehypertension. Blood pressure isconsidered high if it is 140/90 mm Hg or higher. High blood pressure increases the risk for heartattack, angina, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral artery disease (PAD). High blood pressuremay also increase the risk of developing fatty deposit in arteries (atherosclerosis). The risk ofheart failure also increases due to the increased workload that high blood pressure places onthe heart.

Blood Pressure Resources
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