Clyde L. Reese, III, Esq., Commissioner	Sonny Perdue, Governor

Know Your Numbers - The Key to Heart Health

"Knowing your numbers is the first step to good heart health, which is why I recommend that all Georgians – young and old – visit their doctor regularly to ensure these numbers remain healthy," said Dr. M. Rony Francois, MD, MSPH, PhD, Director of DCH’s Division of Public Health and State Health Officer. 

Know Your Numbers is a month-long, public awareness campaign that seeks to encourage behavioral changes in all Georgians that result in fewer cardiovascular disease related deaths – the leading cause of deaths in the state.

High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because you may have it without any outward sign or symptoms.  Uncontrolled high blood pressure can permanently damage your heart, brain, eyes and kidneys before you feel anything.

"Individuals with a family history of high blood pressure may be at a greater risk for developing high blood pressure as well," added Dr. Francois.  He urges those individuals and those who suffer from high blood pressure, to work with their doctor and develop a plan to manage it and keep it at a healthy level with the help of prescribed medications, as well as regular physical activity and good nutrition.

Blood pressure consists of two numbers.  Your systolic pressure measures the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps blood out during a heartbeat, while the diastolic pressure measures the same pressure between heartbeats when the heart fills with blood.

• Normal blood pressure is below 120/80
• Pre-hypertension is 120 to 139 (systolic) and/or 80 to 89 (diastolic)
• Hypertension is 140 or higher (systolic) and 90 or higher (diastolic)

Free blood pressure checks and health screenings are available throughout the state during May.  DCH is kicking off the first event on May 4^th at its Atlanta office where the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) is offering its members covered by either CIGNA Healthcare or UnitedHealthcare the opportunity to obtain confidential health screenings.  For more information about this and other events occurring around the state, click here.

Free blood pressure checks may also be available at your local county health department, fire department and pharmacy.  Contact them to inquire about these and other health related services offered.

DCH has made it easy and convenient to track and record your blood pressure readings with the printable Know Your Numbers Blood Pressure Tracker.  Click on this link to print and begin recording your readings today!

For additional information about high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, visit georgiahealthinfo.gov at: http://georgiahealthinfo.gov/cms/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at: http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm.