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  Manage a Condition | HeartCare - Coronary Artery Disease | High Blood Pressure

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  What is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the moving blood pushes against your blood vessel walls. High blood pressure means the heart must work harder to move the blood around the body. Over time this can lead to damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and other organs.

  The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked.
  Measuring your blood pressure is quick, painless, and easy to do. A blood pressure cuff is wrapped around your upper arm. The cuff is pumped with air and it will feel tight. As the air is slowly let out of the cuff, the reading is taken.

  A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers:

  1. The first, higher number measures pressure when your heart is at work or when it beats
  2. The second, lower number measures the pressure when your heart is at rest or between beats

  Know Your Numbers
  If either number is high after several readings, your doctor may diagnose you with high blood pressure.

  Want to learn more about High Blood Pressure?
  Learn More

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