Blood pressure is a measurement that provides insight into the force of blood moving through your arteries. Understanding these measurements is a foundational step toward maintaining overall health. The numbers reflect how well your heart is pumping blood and the resistance within your blood vessels.
What Blood Pressure Numbers Mean
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg. The top number, known as systolic pressure, reflects the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pushes blood out to the body.
The bottom number, called diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats and refills with blood. Both numbers are significant indicators of cardiovascular health, providing a comprehensive picture of the force exerted on arterial walls.
Understanding Blood Pressure Categories
The American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) classify blood pressure into distinct categories based on these numerical readings. A normal blood pressure reading is defined as less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic.
Elevated blood pressure occurs when systolic pressure ranges from 120 to 129 mmHg and diastolic pressure remains less than 80 mmHg. This indicates an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Hypertension is divided into two stages.
High blood pressure (Hypertension Stage 1) is diagnosed when systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 mmHg or diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mmHg. High blood pressure (Hypertension Stage 2) is characterized by systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. A hypertensive crisis, a severe condition requiring immediate medical attention, is defined by a blood pressure reading higher than 180/120 mmHg.
Why Monitoring Blood Pressure is Crucial
Regularly monitoring blood pressure provides information about cardiovascular health. Untreated high blood pressure can silently damage the body, often without symptoms. This sustained high pressure can lead to serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
High blood pressure also increases the risk of kidney disease or failure. Vision loss can occur from strained or damaged blood vessels in the eyes. Conversely, consistently low blood pressure, or hypotension, can also pose risks such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, potentially leading to falls and injuries.
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure Parameters
Numerous factors can influence blood pressure readings, ranging from daily habits to underlying health conditions. Lifestyle choices play a considerable role; for instance, a diet high in sodium and low in potassium can contribute to increased blood pressure. Insufficient physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking also elevate blood pressure.
Medical factors also impact blood pressure. Age typically leads to a gradual increase in blood pressure. Genetic predispositions can influence an individual’s likelihood of developing hypertension. Certain medications, such as antidepressants or decongestants, and underlying health conditions like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems, can affect blood pressure levels.