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 normal when it is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
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.
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 1 in 3 US 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.
TREATING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
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 or health care professional 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 the #1 most prescribed CCB/ARB single-pill combination product. Ask your doctor if prescription EXFORGE can help bring your blood pressure down to healthier levels.
*EXFORGE is approved to treat high blood pressure, and is not approved to treat or prevent cardiovascular events, including heart attack or stroke.
