Blood pressure is one of the most important indicators of your health. It measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body.

Blood pressure can affect your risk of developing various conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and more.

In this article, we will explain what blood pressure is, how it works, and how you can manage it to improve your health and well-being.

What is blood pressure and how is it measured?

Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers: systolic and diastolic.

Systolic blood pressure is the highest pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood.

Diastolic blood pressure is the lowest pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

For example, if your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, it means that your systolic pressure is 120 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and your diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg.

Read more here: Difference Between Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of a cuff that wraps around your arm and a gauge that shows the pressure.

The cuff is inflated to squeeze your arm and stop the blood flow. Then, the cuff is slowly deflated while the gauge records the pressure at which the blood starts flowing again (systolic) and when the blood flow is smooth (diastolic).

Learn more: How to Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home:  A Step-by-Step Guide

What are the normal and abnormal ranges of blood pressure

According to the American Heart Association, the normal range of blood pressure for adults is less than 120/80 mmHg.

However, blood pressure can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, physical activity, stress, and medication. Therefore, it is important to check your blood pressure regularly and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

The abnormal ranges of blood pressure are classified as follows:

• Elevated blood pressure: systolic between 120-129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg. This indicates that your blood pressure is higher than normal and you are at risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) if you do not take preventive measures.

• Hypertension stage 1: systolic between 130-139 mmHg or diastolic between 80-89 mmHg. This means that you have high blood pressure and you need to make lifestyle changes and/or take medication to lower it.

• Hypertension stage 2: systolic at least 140 mmHg or diastolic at least 90 mmHg. This is a more severe form of high blood pressure and you need to seek medical attention and follow a treatment plan to control it.

• Hypertensive crisis: systolic over 180 mmHg or diastolic over 120 mmHg. This is a life-threatening situation and you need to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Causes and consequences of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects about one in three adults in the United States. The exact causes of high blood pressure are not fully understood, but some factors that can contribute to it are:

• Genetics: Some people inherit genes that make them more prone to high blood pressure.

• Age: As you get older, your blood vessels become stiffer and narrower, which increases the pressure of the blood flow.

• Lifestyle: Habits such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating too much salt, being overweight or obese, being physically inactive, and experiencing chronic stress can raise your blood pressure.

• Medical conditions: Some diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, sleep apnea, and others, can affect your blood pressure.

• Medications: Some drugs, such as birth control pills, steroids, decongestants, and others, can increase your blood pressure.

High blood pressure can have serious consequences for your health if left untreated. It can damage your arteries, heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and other organs, and increase your risk of:

• Heart attack: A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and death.

• Stroke: A blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain, which can cause weakness, numbness, speech problems, vision loss, and death.

• Heart failure: A condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, which can cause fatigue, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

• Kidney disease: A condition in which the kidneys cannot filter waste and fluid from the blood, which can cause swelling, nausea, and reduced urine output.

• Vision loss: A condition in which the blood vessels in the eyes are damaged, which can cause blurred vision, spots, and blindness.

• Dementia: A condition in which the brain cells are damaged, which can cause memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline.

How can you prevent and treat high blood pressure

The good news is that high blood pressure can be prevented and treated with some simple steps. Here are some tips to lower your blood pressure and improve your health:

1. Eat a healthy diet: Choose foods that are low in salt, saturated fat, and added sugar, and high in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Some examples are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy products.

2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing. Exercise can help you lose weight, strengthen your heart, and lower your blood pressure.

3. Quit smoking: Smoking can damage your blood vessels, raise your blood pressure, and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit and seek support from friends and family.

3. Limit alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure and harm your liver, heart, and brain. If you drink, limit yourself to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

4. Manage stress: Stress can trigger your body to release hormones that increase your blood pressure and heart rate. To cope with stress, try to relax, meditate, breathe deeply, listen to music, or do something you enjoy.

4. Monitor your blood pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly at home or at a pharmacy, and keep a record of your readings. This can help you track your progress and alert you to any changes that need medical attention.

5. Take medication: If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you. There are different types of drugs that can lower your blood pressure, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and others. Follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medication as prescribed.

Conclusion

Blood pressure is a vital sign that reflects your health and well-being. By understanding what blood pressure is, how it works, and how you can manage it, you can prevent and treat high blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious complications.

Remember to eat well, exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol, manage stress, monitor your blood pressure, and take medication if needed.

By doing so, you can improve your quality of life and enjoy a healthier future.

RELATED ARTICLES

• Mindful Eating for Better Blood Pressure: Drug Free Tips and Tricks for Lowering Blood Pressure
• How Poor Sleep Can Ruin Your Blood Pressure: Establishing Healthy Habits
• 10 Surprising Factors That Affect Your Blood Pressure
• Relationship Between Stress and Blood Pressure: How Stress Can Ruin Your Blood Pressure and Tips to Keep It Under Control