Note: there is a possibility that the two blood pressure measurements will not be on the same line. (ie: 210/90 mm Hg). If this is the case, use the systolic measurement to determine the follow up recommendation.

Some commonly asked questions

What is blood pressure?

When your heart beats (systole) it forces blood into the arteries around your body creating a pressure in them. This pressure is what keeps your blood flowing to all parts of your body. Each time your heart beats (around 60-80 beats per minute under normal conditions), it sends a surge of blood into your arteries and the pressure in the arteries increases. Conversely, when your heart is relaxed or in between beats, the pressure decreases in the arteries (diastole) . This is why there are two numbers in a blood pressure reading.

What do the two numbers in a blood pressure reading mean?

The top number, known as systolic pressure measures the maximum amount of pressure inside your arteries when the heart is beating. The bottom number known as diastolic pressure, is the amount of pressure inside your arteries when your heart is in between beats. The two numbers together are written in fractional form; for example 120/80 mm Hg.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure also referred to as hypertension, a blood pressure measurement that is above 140/98 mm Hg for at least two consecutive readings during one to several weeks of each other. The harder it is for blood to pass through your arteries, the more pressure is created, thus raising your blood pressure. When there is high pressure inside your arteries, your heart must work harder to pump blood around your body. If your blood pressure measures above 1 40/90 and stays there, you have hypertension.

What causes high blood pressure?

About 90 to 95 percent of high blood pressure cases have no cause (insidious). This form of blood pressure is called primary or a central high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension is associated with renal diseases, use of oral contraceptives, and excessive alcohol ingestion. Scientists are still trying to understand why high blood pressure occurs, but they have found factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Some of these factors include obesity, level of physical activity, diabetes mellitus, heredity, age, and high intake of sodium, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

What types of conservative healthcare treatments are offered in relation to cardiovascular health?

Chiropractic manipulation has been known to reduce blood pressure, however, more research is needed to determine the mechanism of how manipulation is helpful. Chiropractic manipulation should always be performed in addition to your medical doctor’s recommendations. Nutritional counseling specifically tailored to fit your health and general well being is available. For proper cardiovascular function, a nutritional program which may include, but is not limited to, vitamin and mineral supplements such as antioxidants and potassium, as well as botanical (flower or herb) extracts such as garlic, curcumin, hawthorn combined with lifestyle modification recommendations. 1st Line Therapy-Metagenics, Vasotensin-Metagenics (fish protein) are well known products that may help reduce blood pressure, and improve your coronary health status.

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