Blood pressure and pulse rate measurements

What is it?

• Blood pressure is the pressure generated by the heart when it beats
• Normal range: 100-140 over 60-85
• High blood pressure can run in families.
• It is one of the most effective tests in preventive medicine

Health implications

• Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney failure
• High blood pressure is manageable through lifestyle (diet, exercise, stress, losing weight and not smoking)
• Drug therapy can be very effective, and will decrease the risk of complications