Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers

Interpreting your blood pressure readings is essential for managing your health, particularly when dealing with hypertension. The American Heart Association outlines the healthy and unhealthy ranges:

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated: 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
• Hypertension Stage 1: 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic
• Hypertension Stage 2: 140/90 mm Hg or higher
• Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mm Hg

Ensure a medical professional confirms high blood pressure diagnosis, and monitor any unusually low readings. The categories include:

• Normal: Below 120/80 mm Hg; focus on heart-healthy habits.
• Elevated: Consistent readings of 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic; intervention is necessary.
• Hypertension Stage 1: Consistent readings of 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic; lifestyle changes and medication may be recommended.
• Hypertension Stage 2: Consistently at 140/90 mm Hg or higher; combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
• Hypertensive Crisis: Medical attention needed for readings exceeding 180/120 mm Hg.

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic (First Number): Pressure against artery walls during heart contraction.
• Diastolic (Second Number): Pressure against artery walls while the heart is at rest.

While systolic pressure is a major risk factor, both elevated systolic and diastolic readings contribute to a high blood pressure diagnosis.

High Blood Pressure: A Silent Threat to Your Health

High blood pressure, often known as HBP or hypertension, poses a serious risk to your well-being and daily life. If left unchecked, it can lead to various health issues:

• Heart Attack: Damages arteries, leading to blockages that hinder blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Stroke: Causes blockages or bursts in blood vessels supplying the brain with oxygen.
• Heart Failure: Enlarges the heart and impairs its ability to provide adequate blood supply to the body.
• Kidney Disease or Failure: Damages arteries around the kidneys, affecting their blood-filtering function.
• Vision Loss: Strains or damages blood vessels in the eyes.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Contributes to erectile dysfunction in men and may reduce libido in women.
• Angina: Over time, may lead to chest pain and heart disease, including microvascular disease.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Atherosclerosis from high blood pressure can narrow arteries in the legs, arms, stomach, and head, causing pain or fatigue.

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Other Issues?

Persistent high blood pressure damages blood vessels, leading to the accumulation of LDL (bad) cholesterol along tears in artery walls. This results in narrowed arteries, increasing the workload on your circulatory system while decreasing its efficiency.

As a consequence, high blood pressure elevates your risk of developing life-changing and life-threatening conditions. It's crucial to be aware of the potential consequences and take steps to manage your blood pressure for a healthier future.
‍

‍Make Changes That Matter:

• Eat a balanced, low-salt diet.
• Limit alcohol.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Manage stress.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking.
• Take medications as prescribed.

Working Together: Team up with your healthcare professional; you're partners in your health. Learn about high blood pressure, monitor it at home, and commit to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Lifelong Commitment: Managing blood pressure is ongoing. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can reduce, prevent, or delay high blood pressure, enhance medication effectiveness, and lower the risk of various health issues. Remember, you're an essential part of your healthcare team, and a heart-healthy life is within reach.

Reference:

American Heart Association. (2019). High blood pressure . American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure

‌