Hypertension, or high blood pressure, has no noticeable symptoms. That’s why it is commonly referred to as a “silent killer.” Untreated high blood pressure can lead to a greater risk for stroke, heart attack, or other heart damage. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic) —often written as 120/80 mm Hg (read 120 over 80 millimeters of mercury). If your blood pressure is consistently higher, you may be diagnosed with hypertension.*
The odds are good that most people will have high blood pressure in their lifetime. In fact, more than 74 million American adults have high blood pressure. Approximately 90% of people with normal blood pressure at age 55 are at risk for developing high blood pressure as they get older. However, it’s important to know that even though high blood pressure is quite common, it is still a dangerous condition that should be monitored closely by a doctor.*
The Health and Member Care Commission offers blood pressure screening to members and friends of First United Methodist Church once each month. Licensed medical professionals are on hand to check and record your blood pressure. Cards are kept for each individual to easily track changes in his/her blood pressure.
Screenings are offered the weekend of the first Sunday of each month at 4:30 pm on Saturday and 8:30 and 9:50 am on Sundays. All screenings are held in the Library.
*Source: understand-high-blood-pressure.com