Your blood pressure is a measure of the pressure or force of the blood against the walls of your blood vessels.

Your blood pressure varies considerably throughout the day; it is usually lower while you are at rest, and higher when you are active. Even lying down or standing up can change your blood pressure. Other things, such as your emotions, exercise, pregnancy, smoking, the general environment, and medication can change your blood pressure.

Of course everyone’s blood pressure will vary from person to person. Achieving and maintaining a normal blood pressure requires proper diet and exercise; this in turn will help you to achieve a reasonable healthy weight.

What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?

There are a number of risk factors that can increase your risk of developing "primary" or "essential" hypertension . They include:

• Age: Blood pressure tends to rise with age. About half of people over the age of 65 have high blood pressure.
  
• Ethnicity: The incidence of high blood pressure is higher among members of some ethnic groups, such as South Asians, First Nations, Aboriginal Peoples or Inuit, and Black Canadians.
  
• Obesity: Excessive weight is a risk factor - especially if weight is stored around the abdomen.
  
• Stress : Repeated exposure to stress may raise blood pressure levels or contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices.
  
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol increases blood pressure.
  
• Cigarette Smoking: Smoking may cause high blood pressure in certain individuals.

Nature’s Whey inc offers blood pressure readings to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle. We are here and we can help.