Healthy veins make things easier on your heart. They allow blood to flow easily through the body each time your heart pumps. But did you know your blood isn’t always moving?
Your blood pressure is a reading of two numbers: diastolic and systolic.
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Systolic pressure is the top number on the reading and is used to measure how hard the heart pumps blood into your arteries. Diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number, measures blood pressure on the arteries when your heart rests between beats.
It is generally accepted that systolic pressure can predict future heart troubles, regardless of age. That finding was again confirmed in a recent study. But the researchers also found that diastolic pressure needed some more weight.
The study, published in Hypertension, determined that diastolic blood pressure could help provide diagnostic information about potential heart troubles like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack risk.
Researchers reached their conclusion by looking at 26 years of data from nearly 107,600 adults between the ages of 19-97.
Diastolic pressure’s information was most valuable at providing potential prognostic information in people under age 50.
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This study highlights the importance of measuring both systolic and diastolic blood pressure to recognize patients’ potential heart risks. It is also worthwhile knowing if you measure blood pressure at home.
Because high blood pressure is also known as the “silent killer,” it’s worthwhile using all available tools and information to monitor and control. Of course, simply knowing the numbers is not enough. Taking active measures to manage blood pressure is the task.
Eating a diet low in processed food, refined grains, and sodium can help bring down blood pressure, especially when those items are replaced by fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other whole natural foods. Activity, exercise, and adequate sleep also help.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
