In this series about blood pressure, we will discuss isolated systolic high blood pressure, white coat high blood pressure, and borderline high blood pressure.
What are the other names for blood pressure?
Medically speaking, high blood pressure is called hypertension. High blood pressure is called “The Silent Killer” because it can strike without warning signals.
How is blood pressure defined?
Blood pressure is defined as a measurement of force that’s applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps. Blood pressure is characterized by the force and the amount of pumped blood and the flexibility and size of arteries.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
There are no symptoms of high blood pressure. A person does not know if he has high blood pressure unless he is tested.
What causes high blood pressure?
While there are triggers of high blood pressure, there is no known cause. This makes it even more concerning to health officials and those who live with high blood pressure.
What affects blood pressure numbers?
Blood pressure readings can vary with activity, diet, emotions, medications, physical well-being, posture, stress, temperature, and the time of the day.
If a reading appears to be incorrect, another reading can be taken. To confirm its accuracy, take your blood pressure readings at the same time everyday for a week.
Remember that the time of the day can alter reading findings. Your blood pressure is at its lowest level while you sleep and rises when you start to move in the morning.
How should blood pressure readings be taken?
Accurate blood pressure readings can be accomplished when you are sitting down and your arm in a resting position.
Readings are measured and read in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and are read in two separate numbers. For instance, 115/70 is stated as 115 over 70. The top number is known as the systolic number, and it demonstrates the amount of pressure that’s exerted when the heart contracts. The bottom number is known as the diastolic number, and it demonstrates the amount of pressure that’s in the arteries when the heart rests.
If you have healthy blood pressure readings, you only need to have your blood pressure taken once a year. If you have prehypertension or hypertension, your doctor will recommend how often you should have your blood pressure taken.
What are ideal blood pressure readings?
An ideal reading would be 120/80. Prehypertension is revealed when the readings are 120-139/80-89. High blood pressure readings are 140/910 and above.
How can high blood pressure be treated?
- There are medications that are prescribed to address high blood pressure, but they come with guaranteed side effects.
- There are all-natural dietary supplements that are formulated to lower high blood pressure levels naturally without side effects.
- Adopt lifestyle changes to reduce high blood pressure levels. You can keep a healthy weight, reduce salt, eat the DASH diet (this diet includes low-fat foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and poultry), reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption, get physical activity, and reduce stress in your life.
- Learn all you can about blood pressure and make wise choices.
