National Blood Pressure Awareness Month

In 1984, the month of May became dedicated to raising awareness about high blood pressure. Not only did the United States develop the National Blood Pressure Awareness month, but they also developed the house hold motto of "know your numbers" for blood pressure awareness. The mission behind the awareness month is to educate the public and raise awareness about the severity of high blood pressure.

Why is this Important?

It's very important to raise awareness about high blood pressure because it's estimated that one out of every ten Americans suffers from high blood pressure. The scary fact is, many of the people are unaware they even have high blood pressure. Early intervention and treatment for those that have high blood pressure is vital for a prolonged life and decreasing the complications that can occur from high blood pressure.

Despite high blood pressure being known as the silent killer, it can be treated effectively with early intervention. Using home management techniques with lifestyle changes and medications, blood pressure can easily be lowered to a safer number. Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is needed because blood pressure numbers are known to be irregular. With frequent monitoring, you are better able to treat the condition effectively.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is very simple to read. A blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers, the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the higher number of the two. This number is considered normal if it doesn't exceed 140 and the diastolic pressure doesn't exceed 90. Generally, the normal range for blood pressure is about 120 over 80. Most often, it's considered to be healthier the lower the blood pressure reading is.

Proper Education

It's important to be properly educated about high blood pressure, especially because so many people are unaware they have it. This is the main mission behind the National Blood Pressure Awareness month, to keep people educated to check their blood pressure often. It properly treated, the condition is less likely to lead to heart disease and other serious and sometimes deadly complications.

References:

"National Blood Pressure Awareness Month" Quick Medical

"National Blood Pressure Awareness Month" Battling for Health