Blood Pressure – The Stats

Author: Jean Carper
Source: Eat Smart

The Stats

The incidence of high blood pressure rises with age. Half of all Americans 55 and older have high blood pressure rising to 63 percent after age 65. Three-fourths of African Americans over 65 have it.

High blood pressure is above 140 systolic pressure (upper number) and/or 90 diastolic (lower number).

People with high blood pressure are 3 to 4 times more likely to have a stroke. Dropping 11 systolic points or 5 diastolic points cuts stroke risk 40 percent.