Blood pressure measures the pressure within the blood vessels and arteries. Two significant numbers are related to blood pressure. The first is the systolic, and the second is the diastolic.
What Is Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is created when the heart pumps blood through the arteries. The force or pressure as the heart pushes blood into the arteries is called the diastolic. The systolic pressure is the pressure created as the arteries resist the blood flow while the heart is at rest.
Keeping A Healthy Blood Pressure
To maintain a healthy blood pressure, a person should eat a healthy, low-sodium diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Additionally, frequent exercise can lower your risk of developing blood pressure-related problems. Smoking and excess alcohol consumption will also have a negative effect on blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Any baseline (average) blood pressure reading for an adult where the systolic number exceeds 120 and the diastolic number is greater than 80 constitutes the beginnings of high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, for an adult, a reading of 120 over 80 or less constitutes normal blood pressure. A systolic number of 120 to 139 over 80 to 89 constitutes pre-hypertension, and a reading of 140 over 90 or higher is high blood pressure.
Complications
Persons suffering from high blood pressure are at increased risk for heart attack and/or stroke. They also have higher rates of kidney failure, due to the fact that increased blood pressure puts stress on their kidneys and other vital organs.
Check Blood Pressure Regularly
Have your blood pressure checked by a physician or nurse at least twice a year. Make sure they measure both arms to get a holistic picture of your cardiovascular health. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer.” This is because blood pressure-related complications often do not show up until they are life-threatening. A person may “feel fine” but be at a higher risk for heart attack or stroke.
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