120 Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in two numbers, systolic and diastolic. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg or lower is considered normal. However, if your blood pressure consistently measures at 120 mmHg or slightly above, you may have what is known as "120 blood pressure," which is also called prehypertension. This article will explore what 120 blood pressure means and what you can do to maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
What is 120 Blood Pressure?
120 blood pressure is a term used to describe a systolic blood pressure reading of 120-129 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure reading of less than 80 mmHg. This means that your blood pressure is slightly elevated, but not enough to be considered high blood pressure. Prehypertension is considered a warning sign that you may develop high blood pressure in the future if you don't take steps to prevent it.
Causes of 120 Blood Pressure
There are several factors that can contribute to 120 blood pressure. These include:
- Age: As you get older, your blood vessels become less elastic, which can cause your blood pressure to rise.
- Genetics: High blood pressure can run in families.
- Diet: A diet high in sodium and low in potassium can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage your blood vessels and contribute to high blood pressure.
Complications of 120 Blood Pressure
While 120 blood pressure is not considered high blood pressure, it is still a warning sign that you may develop high blood pressure in the future if you don't take steps to prevent it. High blood pressure can cause a variety of complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Eye damage
- Peripheral artery disease
Preventing 120 Blood Pressure
There are several steps you can take to prevent 120 blood pressure and high blood pressure:
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in sodium and high in potassium.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get regular physical activity.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Treating 120 Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure consistently measures at 120 mmHg or slightly above, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure. These may include:
- Reducing sodium intake
- Incorporating more potassium-rich foods into your diet
- Getting regular physical activity
- Managing stress
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications.
Conclusion
120 blood pressure is a warning sign that you may develop high blood pressure in the future if you don't take steps to prevent it. By making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and managing stress, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications.
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