When your heart beats, it pumps blood through your body to give it the energy and oxygen it needs. As the blood moves, it pushes against the sides of the blood vessels. The strength of this pushing is your blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is too high, it puts unnecessary strain on your arteries (and your heart) and this may lead to heart attacks, strokes and a number of other health issues.
Having high blood pressure (hypertension) is not usually something that you feel or notice, as it does not tend to produce obvious signs or symptoms during daily life. The only way to accurately know your blood pressure is to have it measured by a professional. Blood pressure is measured in ‘millimeters of mercury’ (mmHg) and is written as 2 numbers. For example, if your reading is 120/80mmHg, your blood pressure is ‘120 over 80’.
Every blood pressure reading consists of 2 numbers or levels. They are shown as one number on top of the other.The first (or top) number is your systolic blood pressure. It is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats. Ideal systolic pressure ranges between 91-120mmHg.
The second (or bottom) number is your diastolic blood pressure. It is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats. Ideal diastolic blood pressure ranges between 61-80mmHg.
Even if you do not have high blood pressure now, it is important to keep your blood pressure as low as you can. The higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk of health problems.For example, a blood pressure of 135 over 85 may be considered “normal”, but someone with this reading is twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as someone with a reading of 115 over 75.
Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level takes dedication and care, ensuring you are actively pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Follow these tips to reduce and maintain a lower and more balanced blood pressure.
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