127 86 Blood Pressure: What Does It Mean?
When you visit your doctor for a routine checkup, one of the first things they'll do is check your blood pressure. You'll hear two numbers, such as "127 over 86". But what do these numbers mean? In this article, we'll take a closer look at blood pressure, what the numbers indicate, and what you can do to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is represented by two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number).
Systolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is contracting. Diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.
What Does 127 86 Blood Pressure Mean?
Now that you understand what blood pressure is, let's take a look at what the numbers mean. A blood pressure reading of "127 over 86" means that your systolic pressure is 127 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is 86 mmHg.
A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg or lower is considered normal. A reading between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg is considered prehypertension. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension, or high blood pressure.
So, a blood pressure reading of 127/86 mmHg is considered prehypertension. This means that you're at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure if you don't take steps to lower your blood pressure.
What are the Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure?
There are several risk factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Age: Blood pressure tends to increase as you get older.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese can put extra stress on your heart and increase your blood pressure.
- Lack of physical activity: Not getting enough exercise can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Smoking: Nicotine in cigarettes can cause blood vessels to narrow, which can increase blood pressure.
- Family history: If your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure, you're more likely to develop it.
- Stress: Chronic stress can increase your blood pressure.
- Unhealthy diet: Eating a diet that's high in sodium, saturated fat, and processed foods can increase your blood pressure.
What Can You Do to Lower Your Blood Pressure?
If you have prehypertension or high blood pressure, there are several things you can do to lower your blood pressure, including:
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Lose weight: If you're overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your blood pressure.
- Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit your intake of sodium, saturated fat, and processed foods.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Reduce stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Take medication: If lifestyle changes aren't enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Conclusion
Now that you know what 127 86 blood pressure means, it's important to take steps to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. By making lifestyle changes and working with your doctor, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and other complications.
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