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What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that the blood applies to the walls of the arteries as it flows through them. The result is expressed as two numbers, such as 120/80mmHg.
The top figure, also known as the systolic blood pressure is a measure of the pressure when your heart muscle is contracting and pumping blood. This is the maximum pressure in your blood system. |
The bottom figure, also known as the diastolic blood pressure is the pressure between heart beats when the heart is resting and filling with blood. This is the minimum pressure in your blood system.
More than 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure - but one in three aren't even aware they have it as there are usually no obvious symptoms. It is important for everyone to have regular blood pressure checks since undetected and untreated high blood pressure is the major cause of stroke, heart attack and heart disease - the biggest causes of death and disability in the UK.
The good news is that having your blood pressure checked is quick, free and painless, so get tested!
Contact your local Swettenham Chemists if you would like your blood pressure checked and for more advice on lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your blood pressure.