Blood Pressure
(BP)
Description
Understanding Blood Pressure: The Often Overlooked Vital Sign
Most people do not understand what their blood pressure reading means or why it is essential, although they check it each time they pay a visit to the doctor. Regardless of your age, if you want to live a long and healthy life, it is important to take control over your blood pressure.
AP Blood Pressure – Understand What It is, How to Measure it, What the Numbers Mean, and What to do to Preserve a Healthy State.
What exactly is Blood Pressure?
Blood is being pumped by your heart throughout your body. It does so under pressure in the walls of your arteries. It’s measured with two numbers:
The top figure is known as the systolic pressure. This measures the force at which the heart is pumping against the arteries while in contraction mode.
The bottom figure is the diastolic pressure. This measures the pressure in the heart when it is not contracting.
When it reaches 120/80 mmHg then:
- 120 is referred to as the systolic pressure
- 80 refers to the diastolic phase
It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
What constitutes normal blood pressure?
Ideal blood pressure should be read as:
- Normal: 120/80 mmHg or lower
- High: systolic 120–129, and diastolic below 80
- High Blood Pressure (Stage 1): The first number is between 130 and 139, and the second one is between 80 and 89.
If your “upper” is 140 or higher or your “lower” is 90 or higher, then you have high blood pressure (stage 2).
If it’s above 180/120 mmHg, then you are in a hypertensive emergency. You need to be seen by a doctor right now. Most people think low blood pressure (hypotension) is when it’s less than 90/60 mmHg.
What blood pressure readings should you be aware of?
The pressure within the blood will greatly affect several parts of one’s body such as:
- Heart health
- How well your kidneys work: High blood pressure can harm your kidneys, which clean your blood.
- Brain Health: Higher chances of getting a stroke in the brain and having memory problems if you have high blood pressure.
- Vision: It can hurt the blood vessels in the eyes, which leads to blindness.
It is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ since it does not usually show clear signs; many people do not realize they have high blood pressure until they become very ill.
What Causes Blood Pressure To Increase And Decrease?
What is the cause of high blood pressure(hypertension)?
- Eating too much sugar, salt, or fat.
- Not getting enough exercise.
- Being overweight.
- Drinking alcohol or using tobacco.
- Stress.
- Your family history.
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney problems
One of the reasons for low blood pressure (hypotension) is not getting enough to drink.
- Bleeding
- Deficiency of Vitamins and Minerals
- Heart
- Various hormones out of balance
- Some Heart medications
Usually there are no signs. When it goes very high, some people may get headaches, notably at the back of the head, breathing difficulty, epistaxis.
Low Blood Pressure:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Seeing things that are not there
- Tiredness
- Feeling sick
- Skin wet and cold
If you have any of these often, then do see a doctor.
I sphygmomanometer, a common blood pressure checking tool, goes around your upper arm. This can be either digital or manual.
For the best reading:
- Before you check, sit still for five minutes.
- Have your back straight and your feet flat on the floor.
- Do not talk while you are taking the test.
- Read the same every day at the same time.
Home monitors may also be had; thus, it is a good idea to have your blood pressure checked at home often, in particular if you have previously suffered from either high or low blood pressure.
Ways to keep your blood pressure on the healthy side
- Eat a healthy mix of foods.
Less salt.
More whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Fewer sugary drinks and processed foods. - Keep going
Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. For instance, one can swim, ride a bike, or walk around the neighborhood to achieve this. - Watch Your Weight
Even losing just a few pounds can help lower your blood pressure. - Don’t Smoke and Drink Less
Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure
Don’t have more than 1 or 2 drinks with alcohol in a day. - Deal with Stress
Talk to a friend or counselor. Meditate. Take deep breaths. - Keep an eye on your blood pressure, particularly if you are genetically predisposed or carry other pertinent risk factors.
- Take the medicine if your doctor tells you to.
Blood pressure is not just a pair of numbers; it speaks much about the heart and the total body condition. Ignorance toward either high or low blood pressure could lead to severe health-related implications. Most often, simple changes in one’s daily routine and frequency of visiting a health practitioner are enough to keep the blood pressure within control.
You can live longer simply by knowing your numbers and doing something with them. Not just when being sick, anyone needs to keep checking their blood pressure all the time.