Blood Pressure
Goal to Avoid Stroke or Heart Attack:
Blood Pressure lower than 120/80
One of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of a stroke or heart attack is to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects approximately one-quarter of the adult population of the United States, or roughly 50 million people. It can cause heart
attacks, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious problems. Ideally, your blood pressure should be lower than 120/80. It’s important to know what your numbers are when you’re healthy. If your blood pressure is normally low, e.g., 100/60, a blood pressure considered normal might actually indicate an illness or health problem for you. Blood pressure can also be affected by medications, stress, or lack of physical activity.
