Protecting our kidneys

Another way to protect our kidneys from kidney failure is to keep blood pressure within a normal range.  Blood pressure is the amount of pressure your heart has to exert to push the blood out into arteries and to your body.  The top number (systolic) is the pressure needed to push the blood out during the heart’s pumping.  The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure inside the blood vessels during rest (when the heart isn’t pumping)

What is a “normal blood pressure?”  According to the Mayo Clinic website High Blood Pressure, 

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100  a blood pressure with top number lower than 120 and bottom number lower than 80 is considered “normal”.  This would be written as BP 120/80.  When either number is higher, it’s time to monitor and talk with your doctor.  Some suggested lifestyle changes include “maintain a healthy weight, be active every day, eat fewer foods high in salt and sodium, eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and lowfat dairy products.  Take your medicine the way your doctor tells you.  Have your blood pressure checked often.”  These recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/tcyd/kidney.htm