117 72 Blood Pressure: What Does It Mean and How to Manage It
Introduction
As we age, our blood pressure tends to increase, and this can lead to various health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. One of the most common blood pressure readings is 117/72. In this article, we will discuss what this reading means, the factors that can affect it, and how to manage it.
What Does 117/72 Blood Pressure Mean?
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers, the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while the diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats.
When your blood pressure is measured, the systolic pressure is always the first number, and the diastolic pressure is always the second number. So, a blood pressure reading of 117/72 means that your systolic pressure is 117 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) and your diastolic pressure is 72 mmHg.
What Factors Can Affect Your Blood Pressure?
Various factors can affect your blood pressure, including:
- Age: As you get older, your blood vessels become less flexible, and this can lead to higher blood pressure.
- Gender: Men are more likely to have high blood pressure than women until women reach menopause, after which their risk increases.
- Family history: If your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it.
- Diet: A diet high in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol can increase your blood pressure.
- Physical activity: Lack of exercise can lead to higher blood pressure.
- Stress: Being under stress can temporarily increase your blood pressure.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your blood pressure.
How to Manage Your Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is consistently high, your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes or medication to help you bring it down. Here are some tips on how to manage your blood pressure:
- Eat a healthy diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products in your diet. Limit your intake of salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Lose weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help lower your blood pressure.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase your blood pressure and damage your blood vessels.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.
- Reduce stress: Find ways to manage your stress, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
- Take medication: If your blood pressure is still high after making lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower it.
Conclusion
117/72 blood pressure is a relatively normal reading, but it is still important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and make any necessary lifestyle changes to keep it at a healthy level. By eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing your stress, you can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.
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