Understanding your blood pressure is vital for maintaining good health. When you get your blood pressure checked, you’ll see two numbers. But how do you read blood pressure and what do these numbers actually mean? This guide will help you understand your blood pressure readings and what they indicate about your health.
Your blood pressure is always given as two numbers. The top number is called systolic blood pressure. This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number is diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. Think of it like this: systolic is when your heart contracts, and diastolic is when your heart relaxes.
Understanding the categories is key to reading your blood pressure and knowing what action to take.
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Normal: Optimal blood pressure is typically considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg. Maintain heart-healthy habits like a balanced diet and regular exercise.
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Elevated: Elevated blood pressure is when systolic pressure is between 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic pressure is less than 80 mm Hg. Work with your healthcare professional to manage this condition through lifestyle adjustments.
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Hypertension Stage 1: This is when systolic pressure is 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure is 80-89 mm Hg. Your healthcare provider should recommend lifestyle changes and may consider medication based on your risk of heart disease or stroke, especially if you have conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or kidney disease.
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Hypertension Stage 2: More severe hypertension, with systolic pressure at 140 mm Hg or higher, or diastolic pressure at 90 mm Hg or higher. Blood pressure medication and lifestyle changes are typically prescribed by your healthcare professional.
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Hypertensive Crisis: A dangerous situation where blood pressure suddenly exceeds 180/120 mm Hg. This requires immediate medical attention. If you get readings this high, wait five minutes and take it again. If it remains unusually high, contact your healthcare professional immediately. Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
For people over 50, systolic blood pressure becomes particularly important in understanding How To Read Blood Pressure and assess heart disease risk. This is because systolic pressure tends to increase with age due to factors like stiffening arteries and plaque buildup over time, as well as higher rates of heart and blood vessel diseases. Elevated systolic pressure in older adults is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
Knowing how to read blood pressure is an important step in managing your health. Regularly checking your blood pressure and understanding what the numbers mean can help you and your healthcare provider take proactive steps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce your risk of heart disease and other complications. If you have concerns about your blood pressure readings, always consult with a healthcare professional.
