Information compiled from the American Heart Association
What does “Blood Pressure” actually mean and why should I care about it?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by your circulating blood against the walls of your blood vessels, particularly your arteries. It is an essential part of how the circulatory system functions, ensuring that blood is delivered to various organs and tissues throughout the body.
Your tissues and organs need the blood your circulatory system carries through the body. Your heartbeat makes this happen by pushing blood through the blood vessels. These vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Blood pressure is the result of two forces. The first force (systolic pressure) happens as blood pumps out of the heart and into the arteries. The second force (diastolic pressure) is created as the heart rests between heart beats. These two forces are each represented by numbers in a blood pressure reading.
Let’s talk about high blood pressure.
More than 1 in 3 Americans are currently living with high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition that occurs when blood flows through your blood vessels with a greater force than normal. Having hypertension increases your health risks in a variety of ways. Having consistently high blood pressure makes your heart work harder to pump the blood to where it needs to go, can damage the lining of your arteries, and cause blood clots which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
Because hypertension often shows no symptoms, it is known as the ‘silent killer.’ Regular monitoring is the best way to know if your blood pressure is too high and can give you a stronger sense of responsibility for your health. That is why managing your blood pressure through self-monitoring is so important!
Note: Only a doctor or other medical professional can confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis. They also can check if your blood pressure is too low.
How can I monitor my blood pressure?
In partnership with Providence Community Wellness and Molina Healthcare, you can now check out blood pressure kits using your library card! These kits will allow you to monitor and track your blood pressure at home. Each kit can be checked out for 21 days.
Some people see varying blood pressure numbers when visiting the doctor’s office. Regular monitoring at home is an easy way to determine your blood pressure over time and to have those numbers to share with your doctor. You and your doctor can make more educated treatment decisions by being more informed about your blood pressure levels.
What is included in the kit?
The Blood Pressure Monitoring Kit comes with an electronic blood pressure monitor and arm cuff with a log to keep track of your readings. Also included in the kit are educational materials about blood pressure, the importance of self-monitoring, and what a healthy blood pressure range looks like.
