What You Should Know About Your Blood Pressure

Tags: heart blood pressure health

September.26.2009

What is Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. The force exerted by this pressure can be measured. The results of this measurement is your blood pressure reading. The reading returns two numbers in the form of a high number over a lower number. The higher number is your systolic, and the lower number is diastolic. For example, after taking your blood pressure, you may get a result of 115/76.

What these numbers mean

Systolic pressure (115 in the example) is the pressure that occurs when the heart contracts The diastolic pressure (76 in the example) is the pressure being exerted on your blood vessels when your heart is in resting phase.

Blood pressure readings can be affected by many factors. Age, weight, time of day, activity level, and climate are some examples. Often times, you can take readings within minutes of each other and get very different readings with each measurement. For this reason, it is suggested to take a few readings and average them together to come up with a mean(average) reading. The key to doing this is to wait at least five minutes in between readings. This will allow blood to flow back to the heart so you can get a more accurate reading.

Measurement chart (World Health Organization standard chart)

Classification	Systolic (mmHg)	Diastolic (mmHg)
Optimal	Less Than 120	Less than 80
Normal	Less Than 130	Less than 85
High-Normal	130 - 139	85-89
Stage 1 Hypertension	140 - 159	90 - 99
Stage 2 Hypertension	160 - 179	100 - 109
Stage 3 Hypertension	>= 180	>= 110

Readings at home VS. the doctors office

Anytime you go to the doctor, one of the first things they do is take your blood pressure. I always find that when I get my readings taken in this way I register higher. There are many reasons for this. First, anxiety could play a role in raising the pressure for that moment. Walking can raise pressure as well. The walk from the car to the office is a good distance.

I would suggest asking the doctor to take two readings if possible. After his normal measurement, ask if he/she can do one before you leave. That may have allowed enough time for the anxiety to dissipate and your heart rate to calm down.

Another suggestion is a home measurement device. There are many options on the market for measuring your blood pressure at home.
See HERE for an example of what Target offers blood pressure monitors.

If you do not want to buy your own device, there is always the drug store readers. These are quite accurate and allow for good readings. Just remember, taking more than one reading is best, and don't forget to wait at least 5 minutes in between readings.

Why be aware of your numbers

High blood pressure has become very common in modern society. Fast paced lifestyles and bad diet choices have led many people around the world to suffer from high blood pressure. Some of the negative effects of high blood pressure include heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and even eye damage. There are some of the many complications of high blood pressure.

Many people are unaware that they even have high blood pressure. They go long periods of time with their arteries taking a pounding from the pressure being exerted on them. Eventually, this catches up with people and that is where the negative effects can take over.

How you can lower your blood pressure

High blood pressure can be treated with medication. But like most other health ailments, taking a pill is more than likely masking what could be other unhealthy life choices, not to mention, the possible, and often probably side effects of the drug itself. So while taking a pill may seem to work on the surface, your other lifestyle choices may also be contributing to other issues as well as what is meant to be treated. It is best to take this into consideration and make an honest and educated decision about what is best for your overall health.

If you want to avoid taking medication, there are ways those with high blood pressure can go about lowering their readings. I always try and find natural ways to do things as that often leads to a healthier overall lifestyle and more fulfilling existence. Some suggestions for lowering blood pressure include:

Reduce salt and fat intake
Reduce or cut meat intake
Increase intake of whole wheats
Exercise regularly (30 minutes a day 4 - 6 times a week)
Quit smoking
Try meditation and/or a form of yoga

High blood pressure is the cause of many health related issues. It is very important to remain aware of where you stand and do what you can to maintain good overall health. When you do that, your blood pressure should fall in line and remain at healthy levels.

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