Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your heart exerts on the walls of your arteries as it pumps blood through your body. Your blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day, depending on your level of activity and other factors. If your blood pressure stays high for an extended period, it can damage your arteries and lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
There are two numbers in a blood pressure reading: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the higher number and measures the force against artery walls when your heart beats.
Diastolic pressure is the lower number and measures the force against artery walls between heartbeats.
A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. A reading of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that works for you.
Tracking Your Blood Pressure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure, and only half of those with high blood pressure have it under control. Even though high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, many people are not aware of their blood pressure numbers.
There are many ways to track your blood pressure. You can use a digital or manual blood pressure monitor at home, or you can visit your doctor or a local pharmacy to have your blood pressure checked. You can also download a mobile app to track your blood pressure numbers over time. By tracking your blood pressure, you can be more aware of your cardiovascular health and make lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy.
FAQ’s
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your heart exerts on the walls of your arteries as it pumps blood through your body. Your blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day, depending on your level of activity and other factors. If your blood pressure stays high for an extended period, it can damage your arteries and lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
What is a normal blood pressure reading?
A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. A reading of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure.
Conclusion
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that works for you. There are many ways to track your blood pressure. You can use a digital or manual blood pressure monitor at home, or you can visit your online doctor or a local pharmacy to have your blood pressure checked. You can also download a mobile app to track your blood pressure numbers over time. By tracking your blood pressure, you can be more aware of your cardiovascular health and make lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy.
