Blood pressure readings are actually pretty simple once you break them down.
When you get your blood pressure checked, you’ll see two numbers: the top number and the bottom number.
These numbers tell you how hard your heart is working to pump blood through your body.
The Two Numbers
- Systolic Pressure (Top Number): This is the first number you’ll see. It’s the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pushes blood out. Imagine your heart is like a pump pushing water through pipes—this is the force that’s needed to make it happen.
- Diastolic Pressure (Bottom Number): This is the second number. It measures the pressure when your heart is at rest between beats. Think of it like your heart taking a little break before the next beat.
What Are the “Normal” Numbers?
So, what’s good and what’s bad? Here’s what different ranges mean:
- Normal: A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. That means your heart and arteries are doing their job, and you’re in a good spot.
- Elevated: If your systolic pressure is between 120-129 and your diastolic is less than 80, that’s elevated blood pressure. You’re not in the danger zone yet, but it’s a sign you should keep an eye on it.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: This is when systolic is between 130-139 or diastolic is between 80-89. This means your blood pressure is starting to get too high, and you’ll probably need to make some changes like improving your diet, working out more, or reducing stress.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: If it’s 140 or higher for systolic or 90 or higher for diastolic, this is considered Stage 2 hypertension. At this point, you might need medication and lifestyle changes to get things under control.
- Hypertensive Crisis: If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120, this is a medical emergency. You’ll need to get to the hospital fast to avoid serious problems like a stroke or heart attack.
Why Does Blood Pressure Matter?
Here’s why paying attention to your blood pressure is important. If your blood pressure is too high for too long, it can cause major health problems. It puts extra pressure on your heart and blood vessels, which can lead to:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney problems
But here’s the good news: you can control it! With small changes in your diet, exercise, and stress levels, you can keep your blood pressure in check and avoid those risks.
How to Keep Your Blood Pressure Healthy:
- Eat healthy foods: Things like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods high in potassium can help keep your blood pressure low.
- Get moving: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
- Watch your weight: Being overweight can raise your blood pressure, so try to stay at a healthy weight.
- Reduce stress: Stress is a huge factor in raising blood pressure. Finding ways to relax, like through deep breathing or taking breaks, can help.
And if you’re interested in a more detailed view of these blood pressure readings click right here.
