Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is the measure of the force that your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers, systolic and diastolic.
Systolic Blood Pressure
Systolic blood pressure is the top number of your blood pressure reading. It measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood out. A normal systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg.
Diastolic Blood Pressure
Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number of your blood pressure reading. It measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. A normal diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mmHg.
Blood Pressure Categories
Blood pressure readings can be categorized as:
- Normal blood pressure: systolic less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg
- Elevated blood pressure: systolic between 120-129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 hypertension: systolic between 130-139 mmHg or diastolic between 80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2 hypertension: systolic at least 140 mmHg or diastolic at least 90 mmHg
- Hypertensive crisis: systolic over 180 mmHg and/or diastolic over 120 mmHg
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure Readings
There are many factors that can affect your blood pressure readings. Some of them are:
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Family history
- Diet
- Exercise
- Smoking
- Stress
- Medications
Measuring Blood Pressure
Blood pressure can be measured using a sphygmomanometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff, a pressure gauge, and a stethoscope. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated to a pressure higher than the systolic blood pressure. The pressure is then slowly released, and the healthcare provider listens for the sound of blood flowing through the artery with the stethoscope. This is the point at which the healthcare provider records the systolic blood pressure. The pressure is then released further until the sounds disappear, and this is the point at which the healthcare provider records the diastolic blood pressure.
Treating High Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure readings are high, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medications to lower your blood pressure. Lifestyle changes include:
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Weight loss
- Reducing sodium intake
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Quitting smoking
Medications to lower blood pressure include:
- Diuretics
- Beta blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Conclusion
Understanding your blood pressure readings is important for maintaining good health. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional, especially if you have risk factors for high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes and medications can help lower high blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious health problems.
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