Stop by the fire station and a firefighter will be glad to check your blood pressure for free.
Tulalip Bay Fire Department
7812 Waterworks Road
Tulalip, WA 98271
Phone: (360) 659-2416
If no one answers the door please call the station or stop by at another time. Firefighters are on duty and they may be on an emergency call.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries.
Blood
pressure results from two forces. One is created by the heart as it
pumps blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The
other is the force of the arteries as they resist the blood flow.
What do blood pressure numbers indicate?
The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body.
The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
The systolic pressure is always stated first. For example: 118/76 (118 over 76); systolic = 118, diastolic = 76.
Blood
pressure below 120 over 80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered
optimal for adults. A systolic pressure of 120 to 139 mmHg or a
diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mmHg is considered "prehypertension" and
needs to be watched carefully. A blood pressure reading of 140 over 90
or higher is considered elevated (high).
How can I tell if I have high blood pressure?
High
blood pressure usually has no symptoms. In fact, many people have high
blood pressure for years without knowing it. That's why it's called the
"silent killer." Hypertension is the medical term for high blood
pressure. It doesn't refer to being tense, nervous or hyperactive. You
can be a calm, relaxed person and still have high blood pressure.
A single elevated blood pressure reading doesn't mean you have high blood pressure, but it's a sign that further observation is required. Ask your doctor how often to check it or have it checked. Certain diseases, such as kidney disease, can cause high blood pressure. In 90 to 95 percent of cases, the cause of high blood pressure is unknown.
The
only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your
blood pressure checked. Your doctor or other qualified health
professional should check your blood pressure at least once every two
years, or more often if necessary.
Optimal blood pressure with
respect to cardiovascular risk is less than 120/80 mm Hg. However,
unusually low readings should be evaluated to rule out medical causes.