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Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Monday, August 15, 2011
Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers.

Systolic:  The top number, which is also the higher of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).

Diastolic:  The bottom number, which is also the lower of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood).

This chart reflects blood pressure categories defined by the American Heart Association.


For healthy living, know your numbers!

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Welcome to the online home for American Heart Association advocacy in the Great Rivers Affiliate! The Great Rivers Affiliate includes Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

We update regularly about our ongoing legislative issues (for example: tobacco prevention and cessation, childhood obesity, nutrition, stroke and STEMI systems of care, etc). We hope this blog proves to be a resource to keep our amazing advocates up-to-date with our fast-paced legislative happenings!

You don't have to be a doctor to save lives - just an advocate with the American Heart Association and its division the American Stroke Association. In just a few moments, you can make a huge difference. All you have to do is respond to the issues and action alerts that you feel are important.

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