What is blood pressure?
Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body in vessels called arteries. Blood pressure is created by the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as it circulates and by the force of the arteries as they resist the blood flow.
Each time the heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. The force of the blood flow in the arteries is then at its highest and is called systolic (pronounced "sis-TOL-ik") pressure. In between beats, the heart is at rest. Blood pressure is then at its lowest and is referred to as diastolic ("di-a-STOL-ik") pressure.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is recorded as two numbers usually written one above the other; for example, 120/80 mm Hg. The top number is the systolic number, and the bottom number is the diastolic number. Blood pressure is normal when it is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
Blood pressure changes throughout the day. It is lower when you sleep and rises as you wake up. It can also rise when you are excited, nervous, or active. Therefore, your blood pressure numbers may vary slightly from one measurement to another.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is defined as 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Blood pressure numbers can vary, but if one or both numbers are consistently high when you measure your blood pressure, you have high blood pressure.
There are many different causes for high blood pressure. For about 95% of people with high blood pressure, the cause is not known. One reason may be that our arteries tend to become less flexible as we get older.
High blood pressure is a chronic condition, which means it cannot be cured. Once you have it, it usually lasts a lifetime. You may be taking medication for high blood pressure and have repeated readings in the normal range, but your blood pressure will rise again if you stop taking your medication. And if your blood pressure remains high, it may lead to a heart attack or stroke.*
Today, nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure. And it is still too high in nearly 40% of those who are taking medication for their high blood pressure.
Are you one of them? Click here to learn more about your Blood Pressure Numbers.
There are steps you can take to help get your blood pressure numbers down to a normal level and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.* You can start by setting a blood pressure goal. Usually, the goal is to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (130/80 mm Hg if you have diabetes or kidney disease).
Talk to your doctor about what your blood pressure goal should be. Once you establish a blood pressure goal, work with your doctor to reach that goal and keep your numbers at a healthy level. This may mean making healthy lifestyle changes. Some people are able to successfully lower their blood pressure this way. However, most people also need the help of prescription medications to further lower their blood pressure. And most people need more than one medication to reach their blood pressure goal.
EXFORGE is a prescription medication for the treatment of high blood pressure. EXFORGE is a single pill that contains two prescription medicines that work together to help lower blood pressure: amlodipine and valsartan, the #1 prescribed medicines of their classes. Ask your doctor if prescription EXFORGE can help bring your blood pressure down to healthier levels.
Novartis and EXFORGE are committed to helping you reach your blood pressure goal. Click here for more information about the BP Success Zone Program.
*EXFORGE is approved to treat high blood pressure, and is not approved to treat or prevent cardiovascular events, including heart attacks or strokes.
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