Blood pressure is the measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. Your blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures:
Systolic pressure (the first number) – the pressure your blood is putting on your arteries when your heart beats
Diastolic pressure (the second number) – the pressure your blood is putting on your arteries when your heart rests between beats
For example, if your blood pressure is “130 over 90” or 130/90mmHg, it means you have a systolic pressure of 130mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.
Are both numbers important?
Systolic blood pressure (the first number) is typically seen as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. Systolic blood pressure generally rises as we age due to the increasing stiffness of arteries, build-up of plaque, and an increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.
However, either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading may be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
Blood pressure categories
There are five blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association:
Normal
Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mmHg are considered to be within the normal range. If your numbers fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits such as a balanced diet, healthy weight, and regular exercise.
Elevated
When readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic, they are elevated. You are likely to develop high blood pressure unless you make lifestyle changes to control the condition.
Hypertension Stage 1
Hypertension Stage 1 is when your blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mmHg diastolic. At this stage your doctor is likely to advise lifestyle changes to try to bring your numbers down. Based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), such as heart attack or stroke, you doctor may also consider adding blood pressure medication.
Hypertension Stage 2
Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mmHg or higher. Your doctor is likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
Hypertensive crisis
If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mmHg you require medical attention. Wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still high, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own, contact your doctor or 911 immediately.
High blood pressure is often related to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight and not exercising enough.
Left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of developing serious long-term health conditions, such as coronary heart disease and kidney disease.
Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure is less common. Some medications can cause low blood pressure. It can also be caused by underlying medical conditions, including heart failure and dehydration.
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/what-is-blood-pressure/
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
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