Blood Pressure- Know your Numbers
BLOOD PRESSURE—KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Have you seen something like this before? 120/80 mmHg? Do you understand the readings on your clinical report when you check your blood pressure? Do you even understand the implication of your numbers?
This article will guide you through the numbers that are associated with blood pressure and hypertension.
Let’s get started! What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure that pumps blood in the human circulatory system (the arteries) every other part of the body. It is the pressure of blood in the arteries. It is measured by a sphygmomanometer and recorded by two numbers in millimeter mercury (mmHg).
Here’s the kicker:
The first number is called the systolic pressure while the second number is called the diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is often written like this: 120/80 mmHg. The first number is the systolic blood pressure while the second number after the division sign is the diastolic pressure.
Now! What is Systolic and Diastolic Pressures?
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Systolic pressure is the blood pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.
Systolic pressure and diastolic pressure are good predictors of high blood pressure. However, research has shown that systolic pressure is a better tool for predicting the onset of stroke and other heart diseases.
This is normal:
The average normal blood pressure level for an adult is 120/80 mmHg. However, this is not an absolute figure.
Physiological activities like exercise and anxiety can increase one’s blood pressure. Also, sleep and relaxation can cause a slight reduction in one’s blood pressure.
The blood pressure numbers that are influenced by these factors are also normal.
Here’s the deal:
1. Your blood pressure is elevated when it is between 120/80 mmHg and 129/80 mmHg. People with elevated blood pressure are at risk of Stage I Hypertension. At this stage, one must adopt lifestyle changes like healthy eating and regular exercise.
2. Your blood pressure is high when it between 130/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg. This is called Stage I Hypertension (or Stage I High Blood Pressure). At this stage, medications must be used alongside lifestyle modifications.
3. Your blood pressure is very high if it is 140/90 mmHg or higher (but under 180/120 mmHg). This is called Stage I Hypertension (or Stage I High Blood Pressure). This can be treated with drugs (including those for stroke and other heart diseases) and lifestyle changes.
4. Blood pressure can rise up to 180/120 mmHg. This is a critical condition called hypertensive crisis. It can be managed by intensive care.
Your goal should be keeping your blood pressure within the normal ranges.
If your blood pressure is elevated, you should seek medical advice and adopt lifestyle changes that will help you manage and reduce the figures.
Lifestyle modifications like reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, eating fruits and vegetables, reducing salt intake, and exercising regularly are the best way of keeping your blood pressure normal.
You can also take medications if you already have high blood pressure.
In our next hypertension blog, we’ll talk about healthy dieting for a healthy blood pressure.
Photo Credit: Healthline, VeryWell
Ngwoke Ifeanyi
Regional Healthcare Coordinator (Northeast), HFU
Linked: linkedin.com/in/ngwokeifeanyi