What is normal blood pressure? Everything you need to know to maintain your health

What is normal blood pressure? Everything you need to know to maintain your health

What is normal blood pressure? Everything you need to know to maintain your health

High blood pressure or hypertension is a common health problem that affects many people. To understand the importance of healthy blood pressure, it is important to know what normal blood pressure is and how it is measured. In this article we will explain everything you need to know about your blood pressure to maintain your health.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force with which blood pushes against the walls of blood vessels. It is expressed in two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the highest pressure in the vascular system during a heartbeat, while diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure between two heartbeats.

How is blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure is usually measured using a blood pressure monitor, which consists of an inflatable cuff and a pressure gauge. The cuff is placed around the upper arm and inflated to temporarily stop blood flow. Then the air is slowly released while the doctor or nurse listens to the pulse and reads the pressure.

Normally, blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The systolic number is mentioned first and the diastolic number follows. For example, blood pressure could be reported as “120/80 mmHg,” where 120 is the systolic number and 80 is the diastolic number.

What is considered normal blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure is often considered to be 120/80 mmHg. However, it is important to know that blood pressure can be different in different people. Some people naturally have lower or higher blood pressure than others. Therefore, general ranges of blood pressure values ​​are established to define a norm.

According to the American Heart Association guidelines, the blood pressure categories are as follows:

– Normal: systolic less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg
– Normal to elevated: systolic between 120 and 129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg
– High blood pressure (stage 1): systolic between 130 and 139 mmHg or diastolic between 80 and 89 mmHg
– High blood pressure (stage 2): systolic from 140 mmHg or diastolic from 90 mmHg
– Hypertension crisis: systolic over 180 mmHg and/or diastolic over 120 mmHg

It is important to note that these guidelines are general recommendations and your doctor should consider your personal situation to determine whether your blood pressure is within the normal range.

Why is normal blood pressure important?

Normal blood pressure is crucial for the health of your heart and vascular system. If blood pressure is persistently elevated, it can lead to serious complications such as:

1. Heart disease: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart diseases such as heart attack and heart failure.
2. Stroke: High blood pressure can lead to a stroke by damaging the blood vessels in the brain.
3. Kidney damage: Long-term high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
4. Vascular damage: High blood pressure can weaken blood vessels and lead to aneurysms or other vascular problems.
5. Eye damage: High blood pressure can affect vision and lead to eye damage such as diabetic retinopathy.

Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your blood pressure and take steps to control it when necessary.

How to maintain normal blood pressure?

There are several steps you can take to maintain normal blood pressure and reduce your risk of high blood pressure:

1. A balanced diet: Follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats. Avoid salty foods and reduce your consumption of saturated and trans fats.
2. Regular physical activity: Do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week to lower your blood pressure. This may include walking, cycling, swimming, or other active activities.
3. Weight control: Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure. Try to achieve and maintain a healthy weight by maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
4. Stress management: Stress can increase blood pressure. Find healthy coping mechanisms like meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
5. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Consuming alcohol in moderation may be acceptable, but excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure.
6. Be a non-smoker: Smoking can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Avoid smoking or seek support to quit.

Frequently asked questions about blood pressure

1.What to do if my blood pressure is too high?If your blood pressure is elevated, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor can perform diagnostic tests and recommend appropriate treatment.
2.How often should I have my blood pressure checked?It is recommended to monitor blood pressure regularly. Your doctor can tell you how often this is recommended for you, depending on your individual risk factors.
3.Can I measure my blood pressure myself?Yes, you can monitor your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. Your doctor can show you how to measure correctly and how often you should do it.
4.What are the recommended medications for high blood pressure?The choice of medication depends on various factors. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medications based on your individual condition and health history.
5.Can you control high blood pressure through lifestyle changes?Yes, in many cases, high blood pressure can be controlled through healthy lifestyle changes such as diet, physical activity, and stress management. However, in some cases, medication may be necessary to lower blood pressure.

It's important to keep an eye on your blood pressure as it is an important indicator of your overall health. By maintaining normal blood pressure, you can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and other complications and maintain your health. Talk to your doctor for more information and guidance on maintaining healthy blood pressure.