116 77 Blood Pressure - What Does it Mean?
When it comes to measuring blood pressure, the numbers can often be confusing. One reading that you may come across is 116/77, but what does it mean? In this article, we will explore what blood pressure is, how it is measured, and what a reading of 116/77 could indicate.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is essential for the body's circulation of blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the organs and tissues. When your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, creating pressure in the vessels. This pressure is known as systolic pressure.
When your heart is at rest, between beats, the pressure in your arteries drops, and this is known as diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, with the systolic pressure being the top number and the diastolic pressure being the bottom number.
How is Blood Pressure Measured?
Blood pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer. The device consists of an inflatable cuff, a pressure gauge, and a stethoscope. The cuff is placed around the upper arm and inflated, squeezing the arteries shut. The pressure in the cuff is slowly released, and the person measuring the blood pressure listens for the sound of blood flowing through the arteries using the stethoscope.
The blood pressure measurement is recorded as two numbers, with the systolic pressure being the first number and the diastolic pressure being the second number. A reading of 116/77 would indicate that the systolic pressure is 116 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) and the diastolic pressure is 77 mmHg.
What Does a Reading of 116/77 Mean?
A blood pressure reading of 116/77 is considered to be normal. The American Heart Association defines normal blood pressure as a systolic pressure of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mmHg. This means that a reading of 116/77 falls within the normal range.
It is important to note that blood pressure can vary throughout the day and can be influenced by factors such as stress, exercise, and medications. Therefore, it is recommended to have your blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional to ensure that it remains within the normal range.
Why is it Important to Maintain a Normal Blood Pressure?
Maintaining a normal blood pressure is essential for good health. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it often has no symptoms until it reaches a critical stage.
On the other hand, low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can cause dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. It is not usually a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by other symptoms or becomes severe.
Conclusion
A blood pressure reading of 116/77 is considered to be normal and falls within the recommended range. Maintaining a normal blood pressure is essential for good health and can help prevent a variety of health problems. If you are concerned about your blood pressure, it is recommended to have it checked regularly by a healthcare professional.
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