Last updated on October 11th, 2024 at 06:17 pm
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure applied by the blood on the arteries. Normal blood pressure is essential as it indicates that blood is properly flowing from the heart to your organs. By understanding blood pressure, and its various aspects, you can manage it well and stay healthy.
Measuring blood pressure
Blood pressure is measured as systolic and diastolic pressure.
Systolic Blood Pressure is the pressure in your arteries when the heart muscles contract.
Diastolic Blood Pressure is the pressure in your arteries when the heart muscles relax.
Category Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg) What does it mean?
Normal blood pressure Below 120 Below 80 You have healthy blood pressure.
Elevated blood pressure 120 to 129 Below 80 You need to follow a healthy lifestyle to prevent the risk of high bp
and heart disorders.
Stage 1- Hypertension 130 to 139 80 to 89 Your risk of heart disorders and stroke is high. Your doctor will suggest lifestyle changes and/or bp medicine.
Stage 2 – Hypertension 140 or more 90 or more To reduce the risk of heart disorders and stroke your doctor will prescribe blood pressure medicines plus lifestyle changes.
Hypertensive crisis Above 180 Above 120 This is a critical condition. Consult your physician immediately.
Low blood pressure Below 90 Below 60 Not a condition of concern but you could have other health issues.
Symptoms of blood pressure
High blood pressure usually shows no symptoms. But in hypertensive crises, you would experience:
• Change in vision
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Shortness of breath
• Back pain
• Difficulty to speak
Blood pressure precautions
Precautions for high BP
• Healthy diet: Include foods high in nutrition and low in calories, like fruits, vegetables etc. Reduce your salt intake.
• Healthy weight: Obesity increases the chances of having high blood pressure and heart disorders.
• Exercise: it makes the heart strong and maintains a healthy weight.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of heart disorders, stroke and high blood pressure.
• Limit your alcohol intake: Too much alcohol can increase blood pressure.
• Reduce stress: By reducing stress, you can lower blood pressure.
• Regularly monitor blood pressure: High blood pressure can be known only by measuring it, so you should get it measured at regular intervals.
Blood pressure myths
Myth: You do not have high blood pressure when feeling fine.
Fact: Blood pressure usually shows no symptoms, so you might feel fine even though you have it.
Myth: If high blood pressure runs in your family, you cannot prevent it.
Fact: Though you have a family history of high bp, you can prevent it by following a healthy lifestyle.
Myth: Blood pressure can be controlled by avoiding salt.
Fact: There is a high amount of salt in pickles, papads, sauces, soups etc. Limit their intake.
Myth: If your blood pressure is normal, you can stop taking medicines.
Fact: You do so only if your doctor tells you to stop your medications. Stopping these medicines can raise your blood pressure and put you at high risk of heart disease or stroke.
Myth: If you take blood pressure medications, you don’t need to follow a healthy lifestyle
Fact: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is mandatory to manage high blood pressure.
High Blood pressure is manageable
High blood pressure is a common problem that is easily avoidable. High blood pressure raises your chance of developing heart problems in the future and treating it will help you keep excellent heart health. You may easily control your high blood pressure with good medication and lifestyle modifications.
You can order your medicines from the comfort of your home by using the Medkart Website: https://www.medkart.in/.
FAQs
How can you know if you have high blood pressure?
High blood pressure usually shows no symptoms; hence, you must check your blood pressure regularly.
How can you manage blood pressure?
You can manage blood pressure with healthy lifestyle changes like consuming a healthy diet, exercising, etc. If needed, you will be prescribed blood pressure medicines.
Why is blood pressure a concern?
Blood pressure could lead to other serious complications like heart attack, stroke and kidney disorders.
