In this article, you will learn what blood pressure is normal, what causes high blood pressure, and how you can control it.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels. A reading has two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: the pressure when your heart beats. This is the top number.
- Diastolic pressure: the pressure in your arteries between two heartbeats. This is the bottom number.
Doctors write the two numbers together, for example 120/80 mm Hg.
What Blood Pressure Is Normal?
A normal blood pressure for most adults is below 120/80 mm Hg. You measure it with a sphygmomanometer, which is a blood pressure monitor with an arm cuff. Your numbers tend to rise as you get older.
Blood Pressure Ranges
- Normal: below 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120 to 129 over less than 80 mm Hg
- High (hypertension): 130/80 mm Hg or higher in US guidelines, and 140/90 mm Hg or higher in many other guidelines
- Low (hypotension): usually below 90/60 mm Hg, especially if it causes dizziness or fainting
Always ask your doctor what range is right for you.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Many things can raise your blood pressure. The most common are:
- Eating too much salt
- Stress
- Obesity
- Smoking
- A family history of high blood pressure
Symptoms
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so check it regularly. When symptoms appear, they may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Very high readings with chest pain, confusion, or severe headache need emergency care.
Treatment
You can control blood pressure with lifestyle changes, medicine, or both.
Lifestyle Changes
Change Your Diet
- Eat less salt.
- Cut down on fast food.
- Drink fewer cold drinks.
- Avoid very spicy and fatty foods.
Stay Active
Exercise regularly, for example by walking briskly for 30 minutes most days, and keep a healthy weight.
Medicine
Doctors prescribe several types of medicine for high blood pressure. Diuretics and beta-blockers are among the most common. Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
Why You Should Not Ignore High Blood Pressure
If you do not treat high blood pressure, it can lead to:
- Heart attack
- Kidney failure
- Stroke or paralysis
- Eye problems
Thank you for reading! For more health-related articles, visit healthaea.com.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It is not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your own health.