Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Blood Pressure

50 million adults in the United States of America have high blood pressure, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. A person's blood pressure fluctuates with activity, stress and numerous other factors. The best time to measure blood pressure is first thing in the morning before performing any rigorous activity or drinking beverages containing caffeine such as tea or coffee.


Before you test, sit for five minutes with your back supported and your feet flat on the ground. Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart. Blood pressure can fluctuate from day to day, but checking your blood pressure over the course of a week or two should give you a good indication of your baseline blood pressure.

Ideally, your blood pressure (systolic blood pressure at or above 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure at or above 90 mmHg) is associated with an increased risk of death and disability from heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and end-stage renal disease.

Nutrition plays a critical role in controlling blood pressure. The National High Blood pressure Education Program recommends a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and that has limited saturated and total fat.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law