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What is Blood Pressure?
Everyone has blood pressure. It shows the amount of work that your heart has to do to pump blood around the body. Two numbers measure the level of blood pressure. One number records blood pressure when the pressure is at its highest as the heart muscle squeezes out the blood from the heart - this is called systolic pressure. Then the heart relaxes, which allows the blood to flow back into the heart - this is called diastolic pressure. The normal level of blood pressure is usually about 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic).
If you are told that your blood pressure is higher than 140/90, you should consult with your GP.
How do I know if my blood pressure is high?
The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured.
Hickeys Pharmacists can provide advice and check your Blood Pressure (Just ask a member of Staff for details)
Blood pressure varies with age and depends on how active you are before it is measured. If you are nervous or anxious, the measurement can be higher than usual. One high reading does not necessarily mean that you have seriously high blood pressure. Your doctor will usually want to check your blood pressure several times, before deciding whether or not you have high blood pressure.
Go Red for Women in Ireland is part of an international awareness campaign dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and control of cardiovascular disease in women led by the Irish Heart Foundation. The campaign is aimed at encouraging women to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke and gives tips and information on healthy eating, physical activity, menopause and diabetes.
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