Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against the walls of your arteries, which carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. It is an important indicator of cardiovascular health, reflecting heart function and blood flow. Regular monitoring helps identify potential health concerns early, allowing for timely intervention. Since blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day, consistent measurement is helpful for an accurate assessment.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, typically presented as one number over another, such as 120/80 mmHg. The top number is the systolic pressure, which measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart contracts and pushes blood out. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests and refills with blood between beats. Both numbers are important for understanding your cardiovascular state.
Categorizing Blood Pressure Levels
Medical guidelines categorize blood pressure readings into several levels. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. When systolic pressure is between 120-129 mmHg and diastolic pressure is less than 80 mmHg, it is classified as elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is divided into stages.
Stage 1 hypertension is diagnosed when systolic pressure ranges from 130-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure is between 80-89 mmHg. A systolic reading of 155 mmHg falls into the category of Stage 2 hypertension. This stage is defined by a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. A 155 mmHg systolic reading indicates an elevation that warrants medical attention.
Health Implications of High Blood Pressure
Sustained high blood pressure places increased strain on blood vessels and various organs. Over time, this elevated pressure can damage the inner lining of arteries, making them less elastic and prone to plaque buildup, a process known as atherosclerosis. This narrowing of the arteries can restrict blood flow, impacting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Such damage can lead to a range of health conditions. The heart may suffer from reduced blood flow, leading to chest pain or increasing the risk of a heart attack. The brain is also vulnerable, as damaged blood vessels can burst or become blocked, potentially causing a stroke or contributing to cognitive decline. Kidneys, which filter blood, can experience impaired function due to narrowed or weakened blood vessels, potentially leading to kidney disease or failure. High blood pressure can also affect vision and contribute to conditions like an aneurysm, where a weakened artery wall bulges, posing a risk of rupture.
Managing Elevated Blood Pressure
Addressing elevated blood pressure involves consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized guidance. A single high reading does not confirm hypertension; multiple readings over time are needed. Medical professionals may recommend home blood pressure monitoring for a better understanding of daily fluctuations.
Lifestyle modifications are often the initial approach to management. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting sodium, can lower blood pressure. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, helps reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, or ideally 1,500 mg for most adults, is beneficial, as excessive sodium contributes to fluid retention and increased pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress through techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also important steps in controlling blood pressure.