Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of serious illness, but many heart-related conditions are preventable. One of the most important steps you can take for your heart health is knowing and monitoring your blood pressure.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often has no symptoms, yet it can quietly damage the heart and blood vessels over time. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know if it is too high, and controlling it can help prevent heart attack and stroke.
What Do Your Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic (top number): pressure in the arteries when the heart beats
- Diastolic (bottom number): pressure in the arteries when the heart rests
Both numbers matter, but the systolic number is often a stronger indicator of heart disease risk, especially as arteries stiffen with age.
Blood Pressure Categories
*Only a healthcare professional can diagnose high or low blood pressure.
Free Blood Pressure Monitoring at Chinese Hospital Pharmacy
To support heart health in our community, Chinese Hospital has partnered with the American Heart Association to offer a free blood pressure monitoring machine at the Chinese Hospital Pharmacy (SF Chinatown). This convenient resource allows patients and community members to regularly check their blood pressure and better understand their heart health.
Visit the Chinese Hospital Pharmacy to check your blood pressure for free and take an important step toward protecting your heart.
Knowing your blood pressure numbers empowers you to take action early. If your readings are higher than normal or if you have questions about your heart health, talk with your healthcare provider.
Source: www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
