WHAT IS HIGH
You are at higher risk if you:
BLOOD PRESSURE?
(HYPERTENSION) Have a family member
with high blood pres-
sure.
Smoke.
When you have high blood pressure,
it means your heart is working hard- Eat too many unhealthy
References: er than it should. foods.
2010 National Heart Foundation of Australia, National Pre-
Are overweight.
scribing Service Limited, National Aboriginal Community Con- Its like forcing water through a nar-
trolled Health Organisation and Aboriginal Health Council of
SA Inc. A friendly reminder row hose. Your heart works extra Drink too much alcohol.
CDC High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet from: hard to pump blood through your Have a lot of stress.
NHS UK High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet
Nurse Nikki arteries. This can build up pressure.
WHO Global Brief on Hypertension
www.mass.gov/dph/bloodpressure
It represents an elevation in systolic
heart.org/bloodpressure
and/or diastolic blood pressure.
WHAT DOES MY BLOOD HOW DO I CONTROL MY HIGH WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
PRESSURE NUMBERS MEAN? BLOOD PRESSURE? ABOUT MY MEDICINES?
The two numbers are used to The most important thing is to keep taking
measure blood pressure. your medicines as directed.
Cutting down on Alcohol. Keep them in a visible place, so you can re-
- aim for fewer than 15 standard drinks per member to take them as part of a routine.
week (for men), and fewer than 8 standard Set reminder alarms on your cell phone,
drinks per week (for women). clock, computer, or watch.