A New Look at "Normal" Blood Pressure

Monday, March 31, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Lowering your blood pressure — even by a few points — can help reduce health risks such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure.

That's why a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg, once considered normal, may now warrant a second look depending on your health situation, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

If you smoke, have an elevated blood-sugar level, have abnormal kidney function or a family history of heart disease, your doctor may recommend you lower your blood pressure to 130/85 mm Hg.

Lowering your blood pressure, even if your readings are already in the normal range, has its benefits. Research has shown that every 20-point drop in the systolic pressure (the top number) and every 10-point drop in the diastolic pressure (the bottom number) reduces the risk of deadly strokes, heart disease and other vascular problems by more than 50 percent. \ If you feel your blood pressure is high, talk with your doctor about ways to lower your blood pressure. Exercise, weight loss, a healthy diet and not smoking can reduce blood pressure. Medications also can help.

Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

###

To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. MayoClinic.com is available as a resource for your health stories.