Do you know what a normal blood pressure reading is? Not sure? When was the last time you had a blood pressure screening?

Estimates are that as many as fifty percent of all Americans over the age of 60 suffer from high blood pressure, yet many do not know what their blood pressure is and do not know if it is high or normal.

Studies show that high blood pressure leads to heart attacks, strokes, and heart and kidney failure.  VNA Northwest offers a regular schedule of blood pressure screenings intended to fight high blood pressure and related ailments.

View our calendar for a complete listing of all screening locations and times or contact us for more information.

	“my reading was the best it has been since I started coming – the nurse told me to buy a different brand of sliced turkey because it would have less salt and that’s really made a difference.” – Bethlehem

Frequently Asked Questions

What is blood pressure?
“Blood pressure” is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood.  If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
It usually has no symptoms.  You can have it for years without knowing it.  During this time, though, it can damage your body.

What does my blood pressure reading mean?
Blood pressure numbers include systolic and diastolic pressures.  Systolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood.  Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.  The table below shows normal numbers for adults.  It also shows which numbers put you at greater risk for health problems.

The ranges in the table apply to most adults (aged 18 and older) who don't have short-term serious illnesses.