ASK IT
Your blood pressure matters
June 25, 2009
Comments on this story
(2)
The You Docs
I have read that a healthy blood pressure is 120/80, but you recommend 115/76. Why do you think it should be so low?
Anonymous
A Medical evidence suggests that people with 120/80 blood pressure have half as many heart attacks, strokes and cases of heart failure as people with higher BP. But cut those numbers to 115/76, and your risk drops even more
Don't have a clue what your blood pressure is? Find out – now! Your blood pressure ratio is the second most important set of numbers you should know (after your significant other's birthday and your anniversary). Few things age your body as quickly or dramatically as high blood pressure does.
And it can happen to you, since high BP is currently an epidemic. If you thought swine flu was worth worrying about – and it is – get this: High BP will trigger more than 6,000 deaths in Canada this year, and more than 60,000 deaths in the United States. Find out your numbers. It's easier and even more important than knowing your cholesterol count. And fix them if they're even a little high.
Check up on the You Docs, and their quirky but practical advice in tomorrow's Star.
Toronto Star
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