137 89 Blood Pressure: Understanding the Numbers and Their Significance
When it comes to monitoring your health, one of the most important things to keep track of is your blood pressure. It is a measure of the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it throughout your body. A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury), but what does it mean when your blood pressure is 137/89 mmHg?
What do the numbers mean?
When you get your blood pressure checked, you will be given two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). The systolic pressure measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while the diastolic pressure measures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats.
In a blood pressure reading of 137/89 mmHg, the systolic pressure is 137 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is 89 mmHg. This means that your heart is working harder than it should be to pump blood throughout your body, and your arteries are under more pressure.
What are the risks of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of health problems if left untreated. Some of the risks associated with high blood pressure include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
- Memory problems
- Erectile dysfunction
It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and take steps to lower it if it is consistently high.
What causes high blood pressure?
There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a family history of high blood pressure
- Eating a diet high in salt
- Not exercising regularly
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help lower it.
What can you do to lower your blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, there are several things you can do to help lower it:
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt
- Exercise regularly
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
- Quit smoking
- Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all
- Take medication as prescribed by your doctor
By making these lifestyle changes, you can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing health problems related to high blood pressure.
Conclusion
When your blood pressure is consistently high, it can be a warning sign of serious health problems. By understanding what the numbers mean and taking steps to lower your blood pressure, you can protect your health and reduce your risk of developing complications related to high blood pressure.
Post a Comment for "137 89 Blood Pressure: Understanding the Numbers and Their Significance"