While most of us go to the doctor’s office or measure our own blood pressure, many people aren’t clear on how to interpret the results or why we need to monitor them. If you want an in-depth understanding of what your blood pressure numbers mean and their significance, then this is the article for you.
In it, we will break down all aspects of blood pressure readings, from what’s normal and how high is too high to lifestyle changes that can help lower an elevated reading, as well as advice on when further medical intervention is needed. So, let’s take a closer look at the world of blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels as it flows through them. It’s an important indicator of our cardiovascular health.
In blood pressure readings, two numbers are recorded: systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the arterial walls when the heart is not contracting. Rather, it is resting in between beats.
An ideal blood pressure reading is considered to be around 120/80 mm Hg, but this can vary based on age, physical activity, and other factors. Therefore, monitoring your blood pressure regularly is essential to ensure that it stays within a healthy range.
“When either number is too high for too long, “it causes all kinds of bad things,” Dr. Niteesh Choudhry, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. That can include stroke, heart attacks, kidney disease and other chronic illness. “High blood pressure is a major cardiovascular risk factor, leading to bad outcomes in the heart and brain, and that’s why it’s gotten so much attention for so long.”
A Common Condition
High blood pressure is a common condition among U.S. adults, affecting nearly half of the population. Although hypertension can lead to serious health issues, many people remain unaware they have it due to the lack of symptoms.
Regular check-ups and monitoring of blood pressure levels are crucial to identifying and managing the condition. By taking preventative measures and ensuring early detection, we can work towards reducing the negative impacts of hypertension on our health and well-being.
How High?
According to the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, normal blood pressure for adults is a systolic measurement of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic reading under 80 mmHg.
Stage 1 hypertension is when systolic blood pressure consistently hits 130-139 mmHg or if diastolic reaches 80-89 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension is when readings consistently reach 140 mmHg or 90 mmHg or higher, respectively.
Readings that suddenly exceed 180 systolic and/or 120 diastolic require immediate medical attention and are considered a hypertensive crisis.
High blood pressure will develop over time and can be caused by various things. Some of the most common risk factors include being overweight, not getting enough physical activity, eating a poor diet or too much sodium, smoking, or not getting good sleep. Family history, increasing age, diabetes, and gender can also affect hypertension risk.
Since most causes of high blood pressure are lifestyle-related, the good news is that they can be changed. Making simple lifestyle changes such as reducing processed foods, getting recommended exercise, and getting plenty of sleep can help reduce the risk of hypertension.
Healthy Blood Pressure Support
By maintaining healthy blood pressure, you can help to support cardiovascular health and promote overall heart health. Healthy Blood Pressure Support can help to support healthy blood pressure making it an excellent choice for those looking to help maintain cardiovascular health. In addition, Healthy Blood Pressure Support also supports healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.