Millions of Americans now suffer from one or more types of cardiovascular disease, more than two-thirds of them under the age of sixty-five, according to 2006 statistics from the American Heart Association. High blood pressure affects more than 20 percent of Americans in their forties, 60 percent in their sixties, and 80 percent in their eighties.Aferican Americans are more likely to be affected. By definition blood pressure is the force created by the heart as it pushes blood into the arteries. With each heart beat a surge of pressure is created within the artery. This is called the systolic pressure. When your heart relaxes inbetween beats this is called the diastolic pressure. Your goal is to maintain a blood pressure of 120/80 or less. Blood pressure between 120/80 and 140/90 is considered pre-hypertension. This is your signal to start developing a heart healthy lifestyle, before you develop full blown hypertension. Blood pressure of 140/90 and above, you are in serious danger of developing CVD and other medical conditions. Monitor your blood pressure, your most critical vital sign. Keep in mind high blood pressure remains to be the leading cause of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and impotence.
My advice, get your blood pressure checked. If you are not hypertensive, once a year at your annual check up should be fine. If you are check your bp frequently. These days blood pressure monitoring is available every where, even McDonalds, just hold the big mac and take the bp check..