Many people might be living with high blood pressure and not even realize it.
Getting your blood pressure tested is essential because knowing your numbers is a crucial step towards maintaining heart health, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
But what does it really mean to check your blood pressure, and why is it so pivotal?
Blood pressure is an indicator of the force your blood applies against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When the pressure is too high for too long, it can cause serious damage to your arteries and lead to heart disease.
Therefore, having a proper understanding of your blood pressure readings can assist you in keeping it under control and avoiding related health issues.
Understanding the Blood Pressure Numbers
A typical blood pressure reading comprises two numbers. The first, or upper number, is the systolic blood pressure. It represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is contracting.
The second, or lower number, is the diastolic blood pressure, reflecting the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between contractions. Both numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Though both numbers are vital, for those over 50, the systolic blood pressure is particularly noteworthy as it can be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
As age advances, several factors, like the stiffening of large arteries and the buildup of plaque, cause this number to rise gradually, alerting healthcare professionals to potential issues.
The Vital Five: Blood Pressure Ranges Explained
Understanding the various ranges of blood pressure is paramount in managing your heart health. The AHA identifies five primary blood pressure ranges:
Normal: Below 120/80 mm Hg. Maintaining this level typically involves adhering to a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise.
Elevated: Between 120-129 mm Hg (systolic) and under 80 mm Hg (diastolic). This range signals a potential risk of developing high blood pressure and usually calls for lifestyle adjustments to manage it.
Hypertension Stage 1: A consistent reading ranging from 130-139 mm Hg (systolic) or 80-89 mm Hg (diastolic). At this stage, healthcare professionals might suggest lifestyle changes and potentially, medication, especially if other risk factors are present.
Hypertension Stage 2: 140/90 mm Hg or higher. This stage typically involves a combination of lifestyle alterations and medication to manage blood pressure levels effectively.
Hypertensive Crisis: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg. If a repeated test after a five-minute rest still shows such high readings, it demands immediate medical attention.
In situations of a hypertensive crisis, especially if coupled with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, changes in vision, or difficulty speaking, immediate action is crucial.
In such scenarios, calling emergency services (911) is strongly recommended by the AHA.
Being informed about blood pressure, the importance of regular checks, and understanding the results empowers you to play an active role in managing your heart health.
With these basics in hand, navigating conversations and making decisions about managing blood pressure becomes a little easier, contributing to a heart-healthier life.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
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