Blood Pressure

The follow is from Mayo Clinic Staff and very informative as to why it is important to monitor blood pressure. There are many factors to consider in improving your health and many ways to determine what to do. Blood pressure is a single factor and you must consider the total body systems to determine what can be done. The follow link is an example of the type of test and care that we have available to help you reach your health goals. This is a case study of high blood pressure and changes in a short 3 month period of time. As you will notice mayo recommends a change in diet and lifestyle. This system lets us help you make those changes.

http://www.sciencebasednutrition.com/case_studies/High_Blood_Pressure_Diabetes-JR01-07.pdf

Blood pressure chart: What your reading means
By Mayo Clinic staff

If you've just had your blood pressure taken at your doctor's office, you may wonder what your numbers mean. This blood pressure chart can help you figure out if your blood pressure is at a healthy level, or if you'll need to take some steps to improve your numbers.
Blood pressure readings fall into four general categories, ranging from normal to stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure). The level of your blood pressure determines what kind of treatment you may need. The blood pressure chart lists the ranges that make up each category.

To get an accurate blood pressure reading, your doctor should evaluate your readings based on the average of two or more blood pressure readings taken while you are seated.

Here's a look at the four blood pressure categories and what they mean for you. If your readings fall into two different categories, your correct blood pressure category is the higher category. For example, if your blood pressure reading is 125/95 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), you have stage 1 hypertension.
Top number (systolic) in mm Hg
Bottom number (diastolic) in mm Hg
Your category* What to do**

Below 120 and Below 80 Normal blood pressure Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle.

120-139 or 80-89 Prehypertension Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle.

140-159 or 90-99 Stage 1 hypertension Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. If blood pressure goal isn't reached in about six months, talk to your doctor about taking one or more medications.

160 or more or 100 or more Stage 2 hypertension Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about taking more than one medication.

*Ranges may be lower for children and teenagers. Talk to your child's doctor if you're concerned your child has high blood pressure.
**Note: These recommendations address high blood pressure as a single health condition. If you also have heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or certain other conditions, you'll need to treat your blood pressure more aggressively.

If your blood pressure is normal, maintaining or adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent or delay the onset of high blood pressure or other health problems. If your blood pressure isn't normal, a healthy lifestyle — oftentimes along with medication — can help bring it under control and reduce your risk of life-threatening complications.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-pressure/hi00043