Know Your Numbers - Blood Pressure
What blood pressure reading should you expect?
- A blood pressure reading below 120/80mmHg is considered to be normal.
- If readings are consistently 140/90mmHg or higher you are considered to have high blood pressure (hypertension).
How often should blood pressure be taken?
- Adults should have a blood pressure check at least every five years.
- If you have high blood pressure and are trying to reduce it you should have it re-check every few weeks.
- Once under control you should have blood pressure checked once every 6 months to a year.
What increases your risk of high blood pressure?
- being overweight
- having a family history of high blood pressure
- smoking
- if you are of African or Caribbean descent
- eating too much salt
- not eating enough fruit and vegetables
- not doing enough exercise
- drinking too much coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
- drinking too much alcohol
- being stressed
- people aged over 65
- Your blood pressure - Blood Pressure UK charity
- High blood pressure (hypertension) - NHS website
- What young adults need to know about high blood pressure - London Doctors Clinic
Categories
