
It starts after you are 20 weeks pregnant. Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that you develop while you are pregnant. There are different types of high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can raise your risk of high blood pressure in the future. High blood pressure sometimes can be severe, which may lead to low birth weight or preterm birth. This can put the mother and her baby at risk for problems during the pregnancy and after delivery. Some women have high blood pressure during pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about your numbers and how you can manage your blood pressure. If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say, “120 over 80.” A normal blood pressure level is usually considered to be less than 120/80. The second number is your pressure when your heart relaxes (diastolic pressure). The first (or top) number is your pressure when your heart beats (systolic pressure). When you have your blood pressure taken, you are told two numbers for example, 120/80. The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when this force against your artery walls is too high. Understanding Your Blood Pressure: What Do the Numbers Mean?īlood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood. If you find they continue to be bothersome to you, talk to your healthcare provider. These can be bothersome to how you feel every day but often lessen after the first few weeks of taking the medicine. You may have common problems like headaches, dizziness, or an upset stomach. Like all medicines, high blood pressure medicines can sometimes cause side effects.

High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because you can have it and not know it. High blood pressure is a serious illness. You will also find some general information to help you use your medicine wisely. Learn more about your options and use this information to help you talk to your healthcare provider about your blood pressure medicine. There are various FDA-approved products that are currently available to treat high blood pressure. REVISED! High Blood Pressure Medicine Booklet Download, Print and Share
