Did you know you can get your blood pressure checked at any of our neighborhood fire stations? No appointment is necessary—just stop by!

(Information provided by the American Heart Association and the CDC)

• The first occurs when the heart pumps blood through the circulatory system.
• The second is the resistance of the arteries as blood flows through them.

• Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure when the heart contracts to pump blood.
• Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

For example, a reading of 118/76 mmHg (spoken as "118 over 76") means:

• Systolic = 118
• Diastolic = 76

• Below 120/80 mmHg: Optimal for adults
• 120-139 / 80-89 mmHg: Prehypertension (should be monitored)
• 140/90 mmHg or higher: High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when:

• Systolic pressure is 140 mmHg or higher OR
• Diastolic pressure is 90 mmHg or higher

Hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, especially when combined with other risk factors.

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked. A doctor or qualified health professional should check it at least every two years, or more frequently if needed.

For more information, visit the American Heart Association or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.